At the most basic level, you generally need forms of identification, proof of income, decent credit, tax returns, and some savings to get a mortgage. Exactly how much savings and what documents you need can vary. A lender may ask you to provide several years of financial statements to calculate your income if you’re self-employed. If you’re employed by a company, you may need to provide the address and phone number of the company for verification along with pay stubs or W-2s. As for credit score requirements, you’ll likely need a credit score of 620 to qualify for a conventional mortgage. But you may be able to qualify for government-backed loans, such as FHA and VA loans, with a credit score that’s lower than 620.