Top 10 Homebuyer Don’ts: What Not to Do When You’re Getting Ready to Buy a Home

If buying a home is on your radar, there are a few important things you need to avoid before and during the process. Whether you are actively house hunting or casually scrolling listings at night, certain moves can seriously impact your ability to qualify for a loan or close smoothly.

I’m Allison with eXp Realty, and these are the top ten homebuying don’ts I see buyers make all the time.

Don’t skip getting pre-approved.
Looking at homes before you know what you qualify for can quickly lead to disappointment. A pre-approval gives you a clear budget, strengthens your offer, and helps you shop with confidence instead of guessing.

Don’t assume all lenders are the same.
Rates, fees, and loan programs vary widely between lenders. One lender may offer a better option for your specific situation than another. Always compare Loan Estimate Sheets so you can review origination charges, processing fees, discount points, and other costs side by side.

Don’t quit your job or change careers.
Stability matters when you are applying for a mortgage. Changing jobs or becoming self-employed during the process can delay or even derail your loan approval. If possible, keep everything consistent until after closing.

Don’t buy a new car.
Even if you have been eyeing that new vehicle for months, now is not the time. Large purchases increase your debt-to-income ratio and can reduce the amount you qualify for, sometimes at the worst possible moment.

Don’t open new credit or rack up balances.
Lenders pull your credit before pre-approval and again right before closing. New credit cards, higher balances, or financing offers can impact your approval, even if you think everything is already locked in.

Don’t finance furniture or appliances yet.
Zero percent financing still counts as debt. Even deferred payments can affect your loan approval. You will have plenty of time to decorate and upgrade after you close.

Don’t touch your down payment or closing cost funds.
That money needs to stay exactly where it is. Avoid big purchases, trips, or transfers that could raise questions or reduce available funds.

Don’t make large cash deposits.
Lenders need a clear paper trail. Large or unexplained deposits can cause delays or trigger additional documentation requests. This includes gift money, which must be properly documented and approved by your lender before accepting it.

Don’t co-sign for anyone else.
Even if it is a family member or close friend, co-signing on a loan can increase your debt obligations and put your credit at risk while you are trying to buy a home.

Don’t ignore your lender once you are under contract.
The final stretch is where timing matters most. When your lender asks for documents, respond quickly. Small delays can turn into big closing issues if requests are ignored or pushed off.

Avoiding these common mistakes can make your homebuying experience far smoother and far less stressful. Being prepared, staying consistent, and communicating clearly with your lender and agent go a long way toward a successful closing.

As always, if you have questions about buying a home or want help planning your next move, I’m here to help.