When purchasing a home, it is a good idea to have a lender ready to make you a loan when submitting a contract. This shows the seller you are a serious buyer and are ready to make the purchase. As a Mortgage Consultant, I can be your first link to obtaining the loan you will need to purchase your new home. Here's a idea of documents a lender may need to start processing your loan application.

Copy of driver's license on both sides or approved photo ID
Two (2) most recent pay check stubs (for Full Doc)
W-2 for the last two years (for Full Doc)
If self-employed need tax returns for last two years (all pages) and profit and loss statement for the current year (for Full Doc)
Last two month bank statements for both checking and saving bank accounts (copies of all pages)
Most recent statement of 401-K, 403B, IRA or other retirement plans.

A lender will need this documentation for all persons applying for the loan.