By Cody Callaway · Reviewed September 23, 2026
Once you are under contract, your financial picture needs to stay as boring as possible until closing.
Before making a financial move, talk with your lender first.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Opening a new credit card
- Financing furniture, appliances, a vehicle, or other large purchases
- Co-signing a loan for someone else
- Changing jobs or compensation structure without telling the lender
- Moving large amounts of money between accounts without documentation
- Depositing unexplained cash
- Missing payments or increasing credit-card balances substantially
- Closing existing credit accounts without lender guidance
- Making large purchases with money you need for closing
Why this matters:
Your lender may re-verify credit, employment, assets, income, and debts before closing. A change that seems harmless can alter your debt-to-income ratio, documentation requirements, available funds, or even loan approval.
This does not mean you cannot live your life. It means major financial changes should be discussed before you make them.
If something changes unexpectedly, tell your lender and me quickly. Problems are easier to solve when everyone knows about them early.
Your next step
Contact your lender before a significant financial change and keep me informed if timing is affected.