The Uniform Residential Loan Application (1003): What Borrowers Should Know
What every borrower should know about the 1003 mortgage form—and how to avoid delays.
You’ve decided to apply for a mortgage. You’ve chosen a lender—or at least a starting point. Now what?
Whether you’re meeting in person with a loan officer or completing everything online, you’ll be asked to fill out the same document: the Uniform Residential Loan Application—also known as the 1003 (Fannie Mae Form 1003 / Freddie Mac Form 65). This is the standard application for all residential mortgage loans—and it’s far more important than most people realize.
This Form Sets the Tone for Everything That Follows
Your loan officer may fill it out for you during your conversation, or you may complete it yourself online. Either way, you’ll be signing it, certifying that everything on it is true and accurate. The underwriter will compare this application to every document you submit—your pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, credit report, and more. If anything doesn’t match, you’ll need to explain it.
So, before you sign that 1003—at the start of the process and again at the end—read every line carefully. Accuracy matters, and it can save you time, questions, and stress later on.
Let’s walk through some of the most commonly misunderstood sections of the 1003 and talk about why they matter.
Names, Dates, and Basic Information
Start with your legal name. Is it spelled correctly? Is this the name you’ll use to take title to your home? What about your birth date and Social Security number? I’ve seen loans close with incorrect names, numbers, and even the wrong property address. These are preventable mistakes—but only if you double-check the details.
Marital Status—Yes, It Really Matters
This seems like a simple question, but it’s one that’s often answered incorrectly. Are you legally married? Living with someone isn’t the same. Are you in the process of divorcing, but still legally married? Are you legally separated?
In community property states, your legal marital status affects both title and qualification. I’ve seen borrowers claim to be unmarried, only to discover late in the process that their legal spouse has a claim to the property. If you’re legally married—even if divorce papers have been filed—you’re married in the eyes of the law. And your loan will be underwritten accordingly.
If you’re divorced or separated, we may need documentation—especially if child support or alimony is part of the picture, whether you're paying it or receiving it. If you receive it, you’re not required to use that income to qualify, but if you do, it must be verified. If you receive it but don’t want to use it, just don’t list it as income. We do need to know if you are required to pay it, as it must be considered in the loan qualification. NOTE: If you are required to pay child support or alimony, answer the Declaration Question accurately as discussed below in this post.
Being honest and clear upfront keeps the process moving smoothly. Your lending team is here to help you, not judge you.
Dependents and Ages
This is another section people often skip. Please don’t.
If you have children or other dependents, list them, and include their ages. Some loan programs—especially VA loans—require this information to determine childcare expenses. The idea isn’t to pry; it’s to ensure this home loan doesn’t leave you unable to pay your real-life bills. If you can’t pay for child care, how can you go to work and earn the income needed to pay this mortgage payment? If you list dependents but leave out their ages, your underwriter will need to pause and request additional details. And every pause slows things down.
Address History
List your current address and any others from the past two years. Don’t guess or round dates. We match this information to credit and fraud reports. If it aligns, you’re good to go. If not, we stop and ask questions. Another item that can slow things down.
Employment History
Another section that seems simple—but can easily complicate your file. List every employer from the last 24 months, including accurate start and end dates and contact information. If there were any gaps in employment, explain them. If you held more than one job, include them all.
Some loan programs require a full 24-month history—not 23 months and a few days. Rounding or skipping details can delay your approval.
Also, be clear about your employment type. Are you self-employed? A contract worker? A W-2 employee? Different types of employment require different documentation, and this information helps the underwriter prepare accordingly.
Income: Source of Income
In this section, you’ll list both your income and its source. That might include base pay (hourly or salary), commissions, bonuses, pension or retirement income, Social Security, tips, or other forms of earnings.
Even if you’re estimating an average amount, the key is to break out the source. For example, if you earn 100% commission, don’t list it under base pay—put it in the commission section. That informs the underwriter what type of documentation and analysis will be required.
Regardless of the source, providing the underwriter with a clear picture helps ensure that the right documents are requested and included in your file from the outset. That means fewer surprises later.
Liabilities: If You Owe It, List It
Most of your debts will show up on your credit report. But not all of them.
If you’re making monthly payments to someone—say, your dad is holding a car loan for you—disclose it. If the underwriter sees those payments coming out of your bank account with no explanation, they’ll have to stop and ask. Again, that means delays.
It’s better to disclose everything upfront, even if you think it doesn’t “count.” If it’s not relevant, we’ll ignore it. But if it is, we’re going to find it anyway. Let’s get ahead of it.
Assets: Just the Ones You’re Using
You don’t need to list every account you’ve ever opened. But you do need to disclose the ones you’ll use for this transaction—including down payment, closing costs, and any required reserves.
If a portion of your funds is a gift, say so. Gifts are allowed, but they require different documentation. Don’t list $20,000 in your account if you only have $3,000 and your mom is giving you the rest. We’re required by federal lending laws to ask where the money is coming from—so if you don’t disclose it early, we’ll just have to backtrack later.
Also, don’t forget to disclose any other real estate you own, including land. Even if it doesn’t have a mortgage, it still matters. The underwriter must account for taxes, insurance, and any other applicable costs.
Common Name? Expect a Cross-Check
If your name is common—John Smith, Maria Hernandez, etc.—there’s a good chance your credit or title report will show properties that aren’t yours. The first thing we check is whether you disclosed them. If you didn’t, we have to stop and verify ownership. Sometimes it’s simple—your middle initial clears it up. Sometimes, it’s more work.
Again, being thorough helps protect you from identity mix-ups.
Declarations: Answer Every Question Honestly
This final section asks yes/no questions: Have you declared bankruptcy in the last 7 years? Do you owe child support or alimony? Have you co-signed on any loans?
Answer each one. Truthfully.
If the answer is yes, please provide the required documentation upfront. These issues don’t automatically disqualify you, but if we find out about them halfway through underwriting, it slows everything down. Sometimes, it can derail the whole process. Don’t let that happen.
The Bottom Line
The 1003 is not just a form. It’s the foundation of your mortgage application, and the first document the underwriter reviews.
When it’s accurate and complete, everything else flows more smoothly. When it’s full of missing pieces or inconsistencies, underwriting slows down—and that can affect closing dates, rate locks, and your stress level.
Do your part.
It may look like paperwork, but it’s the blueprint for your loan. Fill it out with care, and trust that your lending team is right behind you.
Coming Up Next in This Series
We’ve just scratched the surface of the 1003’s big-picture sections. In the posts ahead, we’ll roll up our sleeves and dig into the details—how to document self-employment income, what really counts as an asset, how to handle seasonal or commission-only pay, and more. If you’ve ever wondered why your bonus needs its own line item or how to prove side-gig earnings, I’ve got you covered.
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