Expert commentary · Research program

    The Mortgage Documentation Report

    Which mortgage documents cause the most delays in Canada, and how borrowers can prepare a complete file.

    By Saminder (Sami) Juneja, Mortgage Broker · Published · Updated

    Media summaryRequest an interview
    Report typeExpert commentary (not a statistical report)
    Sample sizeNot applicable — no statistical findings are claimed
    Date rangeNot applicable
    AuthorSaminder (Sami) Juneja, Mortgage Broker
    Published2026-09-29
    Last updated2026-09-29

    Why this is commentary, not statistics: we only publish statistical findings from verified, anonymized Juneja Group files with at least 100 records and a stated date range. That dataset is not yet complete for this topic, so this edition shares professional observations only. Nothing here should be read as representative of the Canadian market.

    Media summary

    • Documents that don't match each other cause more delays than missing ones.
    • Down payment history is a common late condition.
    • Preparing documents first speeds up every step after.

    Suggested attribution: “Saminder (Sami) Juneja, Mortgage Broker, The Mortgage Documentation Report (2026).”

    Methodology

    This edition is based on the author's professional experience advising clients. It does not count, sample or measure files. When enough verified data exists, a statistical edition will measure:

    • Documents most often missing at first submission
    • Conditions most often requested by lenders after approval
    • Days added by missing documents

    All data would be anonymized: no names, addresses, lender names tied to individuals, or details that could identify a client.

    Key observations

    • Documents that don't match each other cause more delays than missing ones.
    • Down payment history is a common late condition.
    • Preparing documents first speeds up every step after.

    Professional observations, not measured findings.

    Why documents hold files up

    Most delays come from documents that are out of date, incomplete, or don't match each other, such as a pay stub that doesn't match the employment letter.

    The documents that matter most

    Income proof, 90 days of down payment history, a current mortgage statement and property tax bill for refinances, and photo ID.

    Self-employed borrowers add Notices of Assessment, T1 Generals and business documents.

    How to prepare

    Gather everything before you shop for a rate. A complete file gets a faster, cleaner answer.

    Limitations

    • This is commentary from one mortgage broker's practice, not a survey or a random sample.
    • It does not measure how often anything happens and should not be quoted as a percentage or trend.
    • Lender policies change. Confirm current rules with a licensed professional.
    • Educational content only; not financial, legal or tax advice.

    Story angles for journalists

    • The documents to gather before applying for a mortgage
    • Why lenders ask for 90 days of bank history
    • What self-employed borrowers need that salaried borrowers don't

    Related resources

    Request an interview / media inquiry

    Journalists, accountants and financial publications can request comment from Saminder (Sami) Juneja, Mortgage Broker. Please include your outlet, topic and deadline.

    Cite this resource

    Preferred title and URL for journalists and organizations:

    Saminder (Sami) Juneja. “The Mortgage Documentation Report.” The Juneja Group, updated 2026-09-29. https://thejunejagroup.ca/research/reports/mortgage-documentation-report

    Saminder (Sami) Juneja, Mortgage Broker — Mortgage Centre Canada, independently owned and operated by Get A Better Mortgage Inc., FSRA #10874. The Juneja Group is not a licensed mortgage brokerage.

    Educational information only — not financial, legal or tax advice, and not an offer or approval. Rates and lender policies change; all financing is subject to lender approval.