So youve done it. Youve taken the first step towards the American Dream of home ownership. Youve applied for the loan, maybe youve even been approved, and youre just waiting for it to fund and the house is yours. Congratulations, youve cleared quite a few hurdles to get where you are. Now, however, is the time for caution because you could still kill the deal if you make some common mistakes. It makes no difference if its a new purchase or a refinance.

NUMBER ONE: Do not buy or lease a new car. Do not finance new furniture for your new home. In short do not take on any new debt. One of the key factors that were looked at in determining your ability to repay your home loan was your Debt-to-Income Ratio what you earn compared to what you owe. This was one of the earliest hurdles you cleared; do not stumble over it now.

NUMBER TWO: Do not miss any payments on current debt. Your FICO (credit) scores where another early hurdle youve cleared. If you miss or are even late on payments at this point it will have an adverse effect on your FICO scores and can kill the deal even at this late date.

NUMBER THREE: Do not change jobs, even if its for a better job with higher pay. The lender has already agreed to lend you the money based on your old job and income. They are more interested in stability than your getting a better job.

NUMBER FOUR: Do not make any major purchases with cash. You are not taking on any new debt so this should be okay right? Wrong. Lenders are very concerned with your asset reserves. Talk to your mortgage professional before any cash purchases.

NUMBER FIVE: Do not ignore lender/broker requirements. Know what they expect from you and take care of it. It is very common for there to be conditions attached to your approval. Many of them will be things the broker or loan processor will handle. Some will require you to provide information, sign or even re-sign documents. It can be frustrating, but youre almost there.

NUMBER SIX: Do not forget your Hazard Insurance. This is an often forgotten task by buyers. Before closing the lender will want to see an insurance binder showing you have coverage on your new home. Get it early and you wont find yourself scrambling at the last minute to take care of it. It can delay closing if not taken care of.

Youre almost there, so if you can remember these six simple things to avoid until after your loan closes, you should be fine.

Steve & Stacie Scheunemann
Residential Loan Specialists
ViewPoint Financial Group
(909) 238-3787 Steve Cell
(951) 285-4096 Stacie Cell
(909) 987-9945 Fax
steves@viewpointfinance.com