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Phil Kuntz
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April
16

You know how tough it is to qualify for a mortgage.

Proof you've got a long-term job with ample income. A credit score to the moon. Your life's savings as a down payment. More cash stashed away. A debt-to-income ratio to die for. For some, tax returns for the last two years.

You've been there, done that. For weeks now. Maybe a month or more.

You've fought the good fight, you've run the gauntlet of mortgage qualifications and you have your signature-tired hands on that coveted home loan approval.

Now, all you have to do is not blow it.

For goodness sake, don't make any surprise financial moves that could cost you your home loan.

Your mortgage approval is primarily based on documenting your income and assets, your equity stake or down payment, your credit and the cash you'll have left over after the deal is done.

Once you have a mortgage approval, if you change the profile of any one of those qualifiers, you could have to kiss your mortgage goodbye.

Lenders today don't just check your qualifying information once or even twice. Three, four or more checks, of one document or another, aren't out of the question in today's tight lending market.

Avoid big purchases - If you buy a new car, change the lease, or acquire another large possession, it could show up on your credit report or bank statement.

The lender could think you've gone beyond the risk the lender is willing to accept on your mortgage - especially if you qualified by a hair.

If the new loan or purchase amount upsets the debt-to-income ratio the lender used to approve your home loan, your mortgage could go "poof."

No new credit - Likewise, don't open new credit cards, even for a zero interest rate. Those credit card offers will come streaming in after you close your mortgage. Just wait. The lender didn't approve you based on the additional card or extra loan.

Pay your bills - Also, pay your bills on time, even if there's a dispute. Stop paying a bill and the blotch on your credit report can block your mortgage.

Keep your job - Be kind to your boss and don't get fired. Also, don't go looking for new work right now, unless it's a second job to make more money.

Certain job changes also can affect how the lender rates your creditworthiness.

That includes a job change between industries, a job change to start a new company and changing from a job with a salary to a job that pays by commission.

On the other hand, get a promotion and a raise and you should be fine.

Don't cash out - Leave your stashes of cash alone. Don't transfer large sums of money between bank accounts. Don't make random, undocumented deposits to or withdrawals from your bank account.

Don't be stupid – It should go without saying, but criminal activity, trying to buy a second home and trying to add a co-signer or name to the loan, after approval, could all also get your mortgage canned.

Remember, stuff happens. There are events beyond your control that could cost you your mortgage. A pink slip. A divorce. Hospitalization. The co-signer bails.

However, once your mortgage is approved, do keep tight reigns on what you can control.

 

I am a multi-million dollar producer and proud to be part of the Bob English team. Let our experience of more than 30 years go to work for you.  I will help you every step of the way.  I look forward to working with you. Click HERE to find your next home or to see what your current home is worth. Phil Kuntz 717-575-8076 | kuntzp23@comcast.net 

 

Source:  https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/mortgageadvice/item/1007833-20171215-how-to-keep-your-mortgage-approval-approved?rtmpage=null

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 05/31/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 05/31/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Sun 05/31/2026 3:38:06 AM EST) or Bright MLS (last updated Sat 05/30/2026 12:38:29 AM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.
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