They Want To Know What???

Not surprisingly, the mortgage broker was verrry quick about getting me the application. Getting them what they want before they will tell me how credit worthy I am won't be difficult. But some of this stuff seems really private - I mean, can it be legal to ask for all this stuff?

1. Two recent paycheck stubs
2. Complete federal tax returns including W2s and 1099s for the past two years
3. Divorce decree, if applicable
4. Copies of the last two months bank statements ofr all accounts, i.e. checking, savings, money market, CD, stocks, 401(k) , profit sharing.
5. Loan information on all real esate owned, including taxes, insurance and mortgage company. If renting, please include the name and address of the landlord to whom all monthly payments are made. Information on all loans (car, equity, etc) name, address of comapny and account number.
6. Fill out an application with Social Security Number, current and past employer information.

So really, this isn't going to be difficult to assemble. But why do they need to know about my 401(k)? That's for retirement, which, need I remind them, isn't for another 32 years. I can't even GET a mortgage for a duration of 32 years. My stock-based 401(k) lost 65% of its value in the past two years. Is this going to count against me?

They also want to contact my past employer? I mean, sure, we parted on good terms, but what are they looking for here? My ability to keep a job? This part is going to be very interesting really. I got laid off my last job because the company up and moved to England. So should I have them call my previous boss or the company that now exists in England?

Feh.

In other news, it looks like I am going to do my very first viewings of condos on Monday after work. At least I won't have to worry what to wear to the viewing - I'll be coming straight from work, in some suit or another. I suppose it is best to do these things dressed all spiffy-like. That way they think you're a serious type.