Do's and Don'ts
During the Loan Process

While securing a mortgage loan, it is important to “freeze frame” your financial situation as much as possible. From application submission through closing day, shifts in your financial situation can impact the opportunity for loan approval. Here are do’s and don’ts of actions to take, or not take, during the loan process:


Do:

Don't:

  • Make a major purchase (car, land, recreational vehicle, etc.).  If you lease a vehicle, don’t trade up to a bigger lease.
  • Apply for new credit of any kind, including a store credit card or student loan.
  • Make any large credit purchases—even for items needed or desired for your new home, such as appliances and furniture.
  • Change employment. If it is unavoidable, make sure you talk to us Employment changes where your income will decrease, become commission based or is in a different field may cause a red flag.
  • Deposit funds into your bank account that are not easily documented. If you are receiving funds as a gift, you will likely be required to provide a signed letter from the person providing the gift in addition to other possible documentation.
  • Transfer money between your bank accounts. The goal is for your financial picture to remain as consistent as possible from application through closing day.
  • Get behind on bills. One 30-day late payment on a credit card can cost up to 110 points on your credit score.
  • Change banks or bank accounts. 
  • Consolidate debt.
  • Borrow money—even from non-bank sources, like a family member or friend.
  • Get behind on bills. One 30-day late payment on a credit card can cost up to 110 points on your credit score.
  • Co-sign a loan for another borrower.
  • Close credit card accounts or increase/decrease credit lines.
  • As part of the mortgage process, you may identify credit accounts that you no longer use or lines of credit that are higher or lower than desired. Virtually any change to credit lines—even those that you perceive to be positive—can have a short-term negative impact on your score.