Common Mortgage Mistakes That Can Slow a Closing
Avoidable moves that put a closing at risk, and how to stay on track.
Once you are pre-approved, a few common moves can put your loan at risk. Knowing what to avoid keeps your closing on track.
Moves to avoid before closing
After pre-approval, lenders re-verify your finances. Changes during this window can affect your approval.
- Opening new credit accounts or financing large purchases
- Making large, unexplained deposits
- Changing jobs or income sources without guidance
- Co-signing a loan for someone else
- Letting bills go past due
When in doubt, ask first
If you are unsure whether a financial decision could affect your loan, ask your licensed loan originator before you act. A quick question can prevent a major delay.
This guide is general educational information and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Speak with Bart Poynor, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator, about your specific situation.
More Getting a Mortgage Guides
- How Pre-Approval WorksWhat pre-approval is, how it differs from pre-qualification, and why starting early helps you shop with confidence.
- What Lenders Look AtThe core factors behind a mortgage decision and how to prepare each one.
- How Much Can You AffordWhy your maximum approval is a ceiling, not a budget, and how to find a comfortable payment.
- Your Monthly PaymentA breakdown of what's actually inside your monthly mortgage payment.
- Loan Program BasicsA neutral overview of common loan program categories — without rates or eligibility claims.
- Documents You'll NeedA general checklist of paperwork to gather before you apply.
- Down Payment & Closing CostsWhat the down payment and closing costs are, and how to plan for both.
- Construction & RenovationHow building or renovating changes the financing picture.
- Refinancing BasicsWhat refinancing is and common reasons buyers consider it.
Questions about financing?
Bart can walk you through your options and what to expect.