Big Life Moves Can Wait Until After Closing Day: Here’s Why
Quit your job? 🚩
Buy a shiny new car? 🚩
Open a new credit card for that Costco haul? 🚩
Disappear into the wilderness without cell service? 🚩
As exciting as life can be, if you’re in the process of buying a home — now is not the time for bold moves. Your mortgage lender is watching, and they’re not looking for drama. In fact, they’re rooting for one thing: stability.
So if you’re under contract and on your way to homeownership, press pause on the big life changes. Let’s break down why “keeping things boring” can make the difference between a smooth closing and a deal that falls apart at the finish line.
🏡 Why Stability Matters to Your Lender
When you apply for a mortgage, your lender carefully analyzes your financial profile — including your job status, credit history, income, and debts. They use this information to determine how risky it would be to lend you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But here’s what many buyers don’t realize: This review doesn’t stop after you’re pre-approved. Right up until closing day, lenders can — and often do — re-verify your income, check your credit, and make sure your financial situation hasn’t changed.
That’s why even small life decisions can raise major red flags.
🚩 Four Common Moves to Avoid Before Closing
1. Changing or Quitting Your Job
Even if you’re starting a higher-paying position, a sudden employment change can delay or derail your loan. Your income must be consistent, predictable, and verifiable. If your new role is commission-based, freelance, or still in a probationary period, lenders may hit pause on your loan approval.
Play it safe: Wait until after closing to make that career leap.
2. Taking on New Debt (Yes, Even a New Car)
It’s tempting to celebrate your new home with a new ride or furnishings, but hold off. New loans affect your debt-to-income ratio — a key factor lenders use to determine how much house you can afford.
Even a small loan or financing deal can tip the scales.
Pro tip: Don’t open new credit cards or finance any big purchases until your keys are in hand.
3. Opening or Closing Credit Accounts
You may want to open a card to earn rewards on that big Costco haul or close an old account you never use. But any change to your credit profile can impact your credit score — and not in a good way.
Reminder: Mortgage approvals are often tied to specific credit score thresholds. A dip of even 10 points could change your loan terms — or disqualify you altogether.
4. Going Off the Grid
A peaceful retreat in the woods sounds amazing — but if your lender, agent, or title company can’t reach you with important paperwork or questions, your closing could get delayed or worse, canceled.
Stay available and check your email (even if it’s just once a day).
🔒 Boring = Best (For Now)
We get it — life doesn’t stop just because you’re buying a home. But when it comes to your mortgage approval, predictability and stability are your best friends. Think of this time as a financial holding pattern. Keep spending steady, keep your job, don’t mess with your credit, and for now, avoid radio silence.
Your future homeowner self will thank you.
📌 Save this post for later — because these small tips can save you from a BIG headache.