What to Do (and Not Do) During the Mortgage Approval Process!

June 15, 2025

What to Do (and Not Do) During the Mortgage Approval Process!

Getting a home loan feels like doing hefty paperwork. Every review step can build trust or raise new questions. Innovative moves and avoiding common slips keep the file clean and the closing date firm. Use the guide below to navigate approval with help from seasoned mortgage lenders who clear hurdles every day.

1. Gather Proof Early

Underwriters need a clear story in numbers. Collect the last two years of tax returns, pay stubs and bank statements before the first call. Scan them into one tidy folder. Quick delivery demonstrates that you are organized, which helps the lender prioritize your file.

2. Keep Credit Steady

Your credit score is a live snapshot of your money habits. Do not open store cards or buy a new car or let a payment run late. Each hard inquiry can shave points off your score. Lenders watch credit until closing, so a sudden dip can change the terms or stall the deal.

3. Avoid Big Purchases

A shiny couch or a huge TV may feel perfect for the new house but wait. Additional debt increases your debt-to-income ratio, which underwriters closely scrutinize. Hold off on large buys until the keys are in hand, then celebrate without risking your rate.

4. Stay in Your Job

A new role might lift income later but switching during approval triggers extra checks. If a change is unavoidable, tell your loan officer right away. The lender may need an offer letter or first pay stub to keep the file moving.

5. Respond Fast to Requests

Underwriters may ask for a missing page or a short letter of explanation. Reply within twenty-four hours so the clock keeps running. Each prompt response shows you value the lender’s time, which often results in faster turnarounds on their end.

6. Keep Cash Flow Clear

Big deposits that do not match pay stubs raise flags. If parents give money for the down payment, get a simple gift letter. Track each dollar so the lender can follow the trail with certainty.

The mortgage approval path rewards steady habits and open talks. By guarding against credit slip-ups, avoiding big purchases, maintaining stable work and responding quickly, you can smooth every review stage. Add guidance from our skilled team and the journey ends with a signed deed rather than surprise delays.

This offer made by Coast2Coast Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #376205, 125 B King Street, St Augustine, FL 32084, which is not affiliated with your current lender, nor is it a federal government agency or government form. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend.

CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A COMPANY OR A RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550.

THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.

Disclosure:
The content provided within this website is presented for information purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Information and/or dates are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval. Other restrictions may apply. Mortgage loans may be arranged through third party providers.
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