Many want to do as little as possible to achieve a goal properly. That said, applying for a new mortgage or refinancing can have some roadblocks that the Toenjes Home Loan Team wants to help you avoid.

Like our Ten Yes’ of Home Loans post, our detailed list of the ten most common mistakes we see may help you avoid pitfalls that could slow the mortgage process down and keep you from achieving your dream home.

Let's examine the 10 No’s or Don't Do items you should consider before and during the loan process.

Go House-Shopping without knowing what you can afford

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential before you start looking at houses. This way, you avoid falling in love with a home out of your budget.

Think you have to go it alone

Remember, you don’t have to navigate the homebuying process alone. Real estate agents, loan officers, and other professionals are there to provide valuable guidance, support, and expertise, making the process much smoother and less daunting.

How Do You Find Your Credit Score?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a federal law designed to protect your rights as a consumer, you are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus-Equifax®, Experian™, and TransUnion®-once every 12 months. You can obtain your report by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com, calling (877) 322-8228, or mailing the Annual Credit Report Request Form to the Annual Credit Report Request Service. Reviewing your credit report helps you understand your credit standing and spot any errors that need correction.

Open or close credit lines without consulting a professional

Changing your credit lines can affect your credit score and loan approval. Always discuss with your loan officer before opening or closing credit accounts during homebuying.

Be slow to respond to your loan team

Keep in mind that timely communication is critical. Responding promptly to requests from your loan team is not just a courtesy; it’s a crucial step that helps prevent delays in your loan approval process and ensures a smooth and timely closing of your new home.

Make significant purchases

Major purchases can alter your debt-to-income ratio and affect your loan approval.

Quit or change jobs without consulting a homebuying professional

Job stability is essential when applying for a mortgage. Changing or quitting jobs can jeopardize your loan approval, so consult your loan officer before making any employment changes.

Make large bank deposits other than payroll

Small deposits can raise red flags during the mortgage approval process. Ensure all significant deposits are documented and easily traceable to avoid complications with your loan application.

Be surprised if your loan officer asks for more documents

The loan process often requires detailed documentation to verify your financial status. Be prepared to provide additional paperwork as requested, ensuring all documents are accurate and up-to-date.

Move money from bank accounts without a proper paper trail

Transferring money between accounts without documentation can complicate your loan approval. Maintain precise records and consult with your loan officer to document all movements properly.

Be nervous to discuss details with your loan officer and lending team

Open communication with your loan officer is essential. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or questions you have. They are there to help you navigate the process confidently.

The Toenjes Home Loan Team is committed to quickly helping you get into your dream home. Call us if you have any questions or concerns about your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan, and we will get on it right away.

Justin Toenjes of the Toenjes Home Loan Team at Peoples Mortgage
About Author

Justin Toenjes (ten-yes) is a highly accomplished finance professional with a strong background in mortgage banking and a passion for helping individuals achieve their financial goals.

Newsletter

Join 900+ Subscribers and updated on the newest posts by Toenjes Home Loans.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies in your browser to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and provide our ad partners with information for ad personalization and measurement. Please see our ‘Privacy Policy‘ for more information.