05/28/2026
The 10 Rules to Live By
1. Thou shalt not change jobs: Lenders require stable, verifiable employment. Do not quit, become self-employed, or change employers.
2. Thou shalt not buy a car: Avoid financing any large assets—like a car, boat, or RV—before closing, or you risk no longer qualifying for your mortgage.
3. Thou shalt not run up credit cards: Do not make large purchases on credit or max out your existing lines.
4. Thou shalt not touch closing funds: Do not spend or move the money you have designated for your down payment and closing costs.
5. Thou shalt not omit debts: Be completely transparent on your loan application; omitting any liabilities is considered fraud.
6. Thou shalt not buy furniture: Do not finance new furniture or appliances. Wait until you actually hold the keys.
7. Thou shalt not pull your credit: Avoid originating any new inquiries into your credit, even to check your score or get a 10% store discount.
8. Thou shalt not make large, undocumented deposits: Consult your loan officer before depositing any large, unusual sums of cash into your bank account, as you will need a verified paper trail.
9. Thou shalt not change bank accounts: Keep your finances exactly as they were during pre-approval. Do not close or open new accounts.
10. Thou shalt not co-sign: Do not co-sign a loan or become an authorized user on anyone else’s credit account.
