Buying a couch, a refrigerator, or even a car before closing might feel like you're just getting a head start on your move—but it can actually hurt your chances of getting the keys. Large purchases can lower your bank balance or increase your debt-to-income ratio, both of which are reviewed again by your lender before final approval.

Even if you're already pre-approved, your loan isn't locked in until the day you close. Any significant financial changes could make the lender see you as a riskier borrower.

What to do instead:
Hold off on any big purchases until after you close. Keep your savings intact, avoid new debt, and if you're unsure whether something might affect your loan, ask your lender first.

Switching jobs—even for a better offer—can delay or derail your mortgage approval. Lenders want to see a consistent employment history, and any changes can raise concerns about your ability to repay the loan. Verifying new income often takes more time and paperwork, which could push back your closing.

What to do instead:
If you’re considering a new job, speak to your lender first. In most cases, it’s best to wait until after you close to make any employment changes.

Making changes to your credit accounts might seem like a smart move. Maybe you're trying to earn rewards or streamline your finances. But during the mortgage process, these actions can cause problems. Opening new credit triggers a hard inquiry, while closing old accounts can shorten your credit history and increase your credit utilization. Both of these factors can lower your credit score.

Even a small shift in your credit profile can lead to delays or changes in your loan terms.

What to do instead:
Keep your credit activity stable. Avoid opening or closing accounts until after you close. If you're unsure how a decision might affect your loan, ask your lender first.

Your credit score is one of the most important factors in your mortgage approval, and even one late payment can hurt it. A missed due date on a credit card, loan, or utility bill might seem minor, but it can lower your score enough to impact your interest rate or loan eligibility—especially if your credit is borderline to begin with.

Lenders continue monitoring your credit until closing, so staying current is critical.

What to do instead:
Set up autopay or calendar reminders to ensure you don’t miss any payments during this time. Keeping your credit clean helps protect your approval and supports a smooth closing.

During the mortgage process, your lender may need updated documents, signatures, or clarification on something in your file. If you wait too long to respond, it can slow things down or even cause you to miss your closing date.

Even something simple like a missing bank statement or unsigned form can hold up the final steps.

What to do instead:
Check your email regularly and respond to your lender as quickly as possible. Staying on top of communication helps keep everything moving forward and reduces the risk of last-minute issues.

Planning to finance new furniture or a car before closing? Don’t. Any credit inquiry—whether from a car dealer or a furniture store—can lower your score and raise concerns with your lender. Even a small dip in credit or a new loan can change your approval status.

What to do instead:
​Wait until after closing to make any purchases that involve financing. If you’re unsure whether something could impact your loan, ask your lender before moving forward.

Lenders are required to verify where your money comes from, especially if it’s being used for your down payment or closing costs. So if you suddenly deposit a large amount of cash or get a big transfer from a friend or family member without documentation, it could slow things down—or worse, require additional underwriting.

For example, depositing $3,000 from selling your old car might seem harmless, but if your lender can’t confirm where that money came from, they may not allow it to be used toward your loan.

What to do instead:
​Before making any large deposits, talk to your lender. They can guide you on what documentation you’ll need or whether it’s better to wait. Always keep a paper trail so your funds can be verified without delay.

Changing banks in the middle of your mortgage process might seem like no big deal—but it can create unnecessary verification headaches. Lenders need to track your assets from application through closing. Moving your money means they have to re-verify everything, which could delay your loan.

For example, if you transfer your savings to a new account right before closing, the lender will likely require updated statements and explanations for each transfer.

What to do instead:
​Stick with your current bank accounts until after your loan is finalized. If you must switch for any reason, check with your lender first to avoid extra documentation or closing delays.

It might feel like a small favor to co-sign a loan for a friend or take out financing for a new car, but even if the payments aren’t yours, the debt still counts against you. Lenders look closely at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and any new obligation—even as a co-signer—can throw off your loan approval or reduce the amount you're qualified to borrow.

Even a small personal loan can tip the scales if you're close to the maximum DTI allowed for your mortgage.

What to do instead:
Hold off on any new loans or co-signing agreements until after your mortgage closes. Focus on keeping your credit and debt levels steady to protect your home purchase.