Document collection for first-time home buyers
First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Documents: Checklist & Client Portal
First-time buyers have never done this before. They don't know what a Notice of Assessment is, and they're nervous about sending bank statements over text. A clear, friendly checklist with explanations for every item gets you a complete file faster and makes you look great.
10 items, 8 required. The same checklist Startly asks Applicants for, before a Brokerage tailors it.
Why these files stall
What goes wrong with first-time home buyers.
Buyers don't know which documents are which and send the wrong thing.
FHSA and Home Buyers' Plan paperwork gets forgotten until the lender asks.
Pre-approval momentum fades while you wait on an employment letter.
The checklist
First-time home buyer document checklist
Employment income plus FHSA/RRSP Home Buyers' Plan documentation.
Every item ships with a plain-English description in the client portal, so your client knows exactly what to photograph.
- 1
Government-issued photo ID
RequiredDriver's licence or passport, front and back.
- 2
Credit check consent
RequiredSigned consent form from your broker. Do not upload your SIN card.
- 3
90 days of bank statements
RequiredAll pages, for every account you use.
- 4
Proof of down payment
RequiredStatements showing the funds, or a gift letter if family is helping.
- 5
Purchase agreement and MLS listing
OptionalFully signed, with all schedules.
- 6
FHSA or RRSP statements
OptionalIf you are using an FHSA or the Home Buyers' Plan for the down payment.
- 7
Employment letter
RequiredOn letterhead, dated within 30 days: position, start date, salary or hourly rate.
- 8
Two most recent pay stubs
Required - 9
T4 slips, last 2 years
Required - 10
Notices of Assessment, last 2 years
RequiredFrom CRA My Account. Confirms no taxes owing.
How Startly collects this for you
Send once. Startly does the follow-up.
- 01
Pick the template, send the link
Choose the "First-time home buyer" checklist, add or remove items for this file, and send it to your client by text or email.
- 02
Your client verifies and uploads from their phone
They enter the one-time code we email them, see every item with a plain-English description, and photograph or upload each one. No account needed.
- 03
Reminders run until the file is complete
Startly nudges your client on your schedule, stops when the last item lands, and hands you one organized package ready to submit.
Curious how the rest works? See the full product tour or compare plans.
FAQ
Common questions.
What do first-time buyers need to give a mortgage broker?
Government ID, an employment letter, two recent pay stubs, two years of Notices of Assessment, 90 days of bank statements, proof of down payment, and FHSA or RRSP statements if they're using those programs.
Does the client need to create an account?
No. They enter a one-time code we email them and go straight to their checklist.
Early access
Collect first-time home buyers' documents without the chase.
Join the waitlist and get 3 months free when early access opens.
Sign in with your work email to join the waitlist. We approve brokers in small batches and email you when your account is ready.
Request early accessMore checklists