Since you know the lender will be providing an application for your review, you can speed the underwriting process by preparing your financial data in advance.

First, make a list of all assets. You want to show the balances or fair market values for all IRAs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, checking accounts, real estate, pensions and cars and other major assets. You also want to list account numbers and contact information.

Second, make a list of all debts. You want to include all credit cards, car loans, student debts, mortgages, etc. As with assets, show account numbers and contact information for each liability. In addition, but sure to list required monthly payments for each debt.

What you now have is a handy financial planning tool. It tells what you have, what you owe and how much you''re worth (assets less debits equal you''re net worth). Because there are account numbers, contact information and such, this is good information to keep with wills and living wills. Also, if you enter this information onto a spreadsheet, it''s easy to update and keep current.

Many loan programs no longer ask for income or employment verifications -- however for your records you want to have a file where you keep such things as your last two or three pay stubs from the time of application and copies of your tax returns from the past few years. Also keep information regarding other sources of income such as interest, dividends, profit-sharing, etc.

You now have a way to zip through a loan application -- and you have a way to make sure that lender decisions are not being made on the basis of information which is out-of-date or factually incorrect.

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