Understand the paperwork, improve your eligibility, and choose a loan. The Urban Living Lending Guide tells you what you need to accomplish each step and walks you through important decisions. Select a step to learn more. Order a copy of your credit report. Order and analyze a copy of your credit report. Your lender will also order a copy, but you should see it first. That way, you can clear up any credit problems before you submit your loan application. Organize your recent tax returns and financial documents. The lender will need your financial information to determine how much you can borrow. If you don't have all the paperwork, you can get copies by contacting your tax-preparer and other people who deal with your personal finances. Get contact information from your human resources department. Find out who is authorized to release information about your employment status. Provide the correct contact name and telephone number to the lender to avoid lengthy loan-processing delays.