Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Mortgage

Before looking for your next home, it is important that you complete the mortgage pre-approval process. Once you receive a pre-approval, there are some common mistakes and pitfalls that could result in your mortgage being rescinded. A pre-approval is based on a snapshot of your employment, credit, income, and assets. If any of these criteria change, it may have a negative impact on your ability to obtain a mortgage and force the lender to deny the loan.

Below is a list of the most common mistakes that homebuyers make before receiving their final mortgage approval:

• Change in Employment - If your employment changes after receiving your pre-approval and before closing your mortgage, notify your loan officer immediately. Even if your new job is a promotion or pay increase, it may be subject to a probationary period. Also, if your employment includes income from commission, tips, bonuses, or is subject to job expenses, your lender may view this income as unstable until you show a 2-year history of this type of income.

  • Cash Deposits - Government regulations and investor guidelines require mortgage lenders to document all large deposits within 60 days of applying for a mortgage. All large deposits must be documented showing the source of the funds. These include but are not limited to: cash gifts, the sale of assets, 401(k) loans, a transfer from one bank account to another, or any other large deposit. Transfers from a joint account will likely also require full disclosure of the originating account and a letter from the co-owner of the account that you have full access to the transferred funds.

• Inquiries/New Purchases- Any credit inquiries that are listed on your credit report for the previous 90 days, before applying for a mortgage, will need to be explained. If any new debt resulted, you will need to provide a statement, and the debt would need to be included in your debt ratio. Any deposits you make during the loan process for a new house such as: appliances, furniture, or home amenities will also need to be explained, documented, and included in your debt ratio.

• Overdrafts- Mortgage lenders will thoroughly review all bank statements that are provided for the mortgage loan. You will need to explain any over-drafts and what you have done to remedy the reason for the over-drafts in the future.

• Business Expenses - Mortgage lenders will require two years' tax returns. Business expenses, losses on rental property and business ventures reported on the returns will need to be explained and will likely be deducted from your overall income.

• New Debts- Household debts that are not included on your credit report, such as: spousal support, alimony, car payments from "buy here pay here" companies or a credit union that does not report their revolving or installment loan debts, will need to be documented and included in your debt ratio.

After applying for the mortgage loan, if you are concerned that any change in your financial picture may affect your loan approval, it is in your best interest to contact your mortgage loan officer. Inform them of the change immediately and always make sure you are honest with your mortgage loan officer, so they have an accurate picture of your financial situation. Inaccurate information or surprises during the mortgage process may result in your mortgage being denied, a devastating situation that can often be avoided.

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