First Time Buyer Credit Checklist – helping make sense of the home buying process.
Getting a new mortgage for a First-Time Home Buyer can be a little overwhelming with all of the important details, guidelines and potential speed bumps.
Since there are so many rules and steps to follow, here is a simple list of Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind throughout the mortgage approval process:
DO:
- Continue working at your current job
- Stay current on all your accounts
- Keep making your house or rent payments
- Keep your insurance payments current
- Continue to maintain your credit as usual
- Call us if you have any questions
DON’T
- Make any major purchases (Car, Boat, Jet Ski, Home Theater…)
- Apply for new credit
- Open new credit cards
- Transfer any balances from one credit or bank acct to another
- Pay off any charge-off accts or collections
- Take out furniture loans
- Close any credit cards
- Max out your credit cards
- Consolidate credit debt
Basically, while you are in the process of getting a new mortgage, keep your financial status as stable as possible until the loan is funded and recorded.
Any number of minor changes could easily raise a red flag or cause a negative impact on a credit score that may result in a denied loan.
Most importantly, check with your loan officer on even the most simple questions to make sure your loan approval is successful.
_________________________________
Related Articles – Home Buying Process:
- Home Buying Process
- Assembling Your Home Buying Team – Knowing The Players
- Seven Things Your Agent Should Know About Your Mortgage Approval
- Important Factors To Consider When Getting Financing On A Foreclosure, Short Sale or New Construction
- Where Does My Earnest Money Go?
- HOA Hurdles to be Aware of When Looking at New Properties
- What You Need To Know About The Home Inspection Process