7 Things You Must Never Do When Applying For a Home Loan

This is a list of things to steer clear of when you are seeking to obtain financing for a home. The following items may prove to be a detriment when you wish to move forward with the loan process.

  1. Don't buy or lease an auto! Lenders look carefully at your debt-to-income ratio. A large payment such as a car lease or purchase can greatly impact those ratios and prevent you from qualifying for a home loan.
  2. Don't move assets from one bank account to another! These transfers show up as new deposits and complicate the application process, and you must then disclose and document the source of funds for each new account. The lender can verify each account as it currently exists. You can consolidate your accounts later if you need to.
  3. Don't change jobs! A new job may involve a probation period, which must be satisfied before income from the new job can be considered for qualifying purposes.
  4. Don't buy new furniture or major appliances for your new home! If the new purchases increase the amount of debt you are responsible for on a monthly basis, there is the possibility this may disqualify you from getting the loan, or cut down on the available funds you need to meet closing costs.
  5. Don't attempt to consolidate bills before speaking with your lender! The lender can advise you if this needs to be done.
  6. Don't pack or ship information needed for the loan application! Important paperwork such as W-2 forms, divorce decrees, and tax returns should not be sent with your household goods. Duplicate copies take weeks to obtain, and could stall the closing date on your transaction.
  7. Don't apply for any credit cards!! This will affect your credit score and could change your loan to value ratios and prevent you from qualifying for a home loan.
 
This post has been included in Maryland Information

14 Comments on 7 Things You Must Never Do When Applying For a Home Loan

Ilyce - Great common sense advice that often times is not realized!

08/18/2007 11:02 PM by Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty)


Ilyce:  I always always always tell my buyer clients "Don't alter or change your financial picture at all without approval of your mortgage lender!"  If they wish to purchase furniture for their new house, do so after they leave the closing table.  If they want to accept a new job they can use my phone after the papers are signed.  You have a terrific list there, and it's one that we always need to keep at the forefront when advising buyer clients through the process.

08/19/2007 05:20 AM by Kris Wales-A partner for your real estate needs in Macomb County MI (RE/MAX Advantage 1, Inc.)


Excellent Post!!  I'm bookmarking this for my future buyers...in case they don't know better!

08/19/2007 08:08 AM by Real Estate Specialist | Brandon, FL | Susie Roscoe (Signature Realty Associates)


Excellent advice, I'm going to pass it on to my buyers..... with the lenders tightening up on their requirements, it's even more important that they follow your guidelines. Thanks!

08/19/2007 12:05 PM by Debbie Malone, RE/MAX, Lynchburg, Smith Mountain Lake, Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX 1st Olympic, ABR, e-PRO, ASP)


IIsye

Good list of things not to do, I would like to copy this if I may to give to new buyers?

08/19/2007 12:11 PM by Gary J Rocks (Sussex County Real Estate)


Ilyce,

  I think these things carry even more importance with the current state of mortgage companies.  I say also stay in touch with your mortgage agent  don,t take anything for granted.
 

08/19/2007 12:16 PM by Hugh Krone Sussex County NJ Century 21 Realtor (Century21BillSemmens)


Good info that many of us in this business don't advise their clients...

Thanks for the tips!

08/20/2007 10:42 AM by Orlando Homes Armando Rodriguez Real Estate & Mortgage Broker-GRI (QUEST REALTY SERVICES)


Ilyce, good straightforward advice.  I always tell my clients to "make sure they have the driveway or the garage, BEFORE they buy the new car!"

08/20/2007 12:16 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


GOOD ADVICE.. I WOULD ADD IF YOU NEED A CAR AN AUTO LOAN OF LESS THAN 10 PAYMENTS (when you

get there) WILL NOT BE HELD AGAINST YOU AS A DEBT. ANYTIME YOU HAVE AN AUTO LEASE IT WILL

ALWAYS BE COUNTED AS A DEBT. THANKS--MIKE

 

 

 

08/20/2007 01:03 PM by MICHAEL CAREW (NJ LENDERS CORP.)


It's amazing that even when buyers are told this info how often they still go ahead and do it! Crazy ehhh!

08/20/2007 04:26 PM by Jeffrey Malburg (RE/MAX Acclaim)


Thanks to all of you who have commented so far. I really appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

08/20/2007 10:01 PM by Ilyce N. Powell, CMPS™ - Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (Envision Lending Group)


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Loan Officer: Ilyce N. Powell, CMPS™ -  Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (Envision Lending Group)
Ilyce N. Powell, CMPS™ - Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist
Baltimore, MD
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