Hey friends, diving into the mortgage game? It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, and believe it or not, the small stuff matters a lot. For example, did you know that splurging on a shiny new car could throw a wrench into your mortgage dreams? That’s right – I’ve seen it happen.
Qualifying for a Mortgage?
I put together this blog post to help you get the lowdown on what not to do when you’re qualifying for a mortgage. Here are six things that can impact your credit score and debt-to-income ratio, affecting your mortgage eligibility.
1. Job Stability Matters:
While career changes can be tempting, maintaining stability during the mortgage application process is crucial. Lenders love stability, so swapping jobs during the mortgage process might raise a few eyebrows.
2. Credit Card Caution:
New credit card offer burning a hole in your inbox? Hold off! Opening new credit lines might be tempting, but it could throw a curveball at your credit score and mess with that all-important debt-to-income ratio that lenders look for.
3. Postpone Major Purchases:
Dreaming of a shiny new car or Insta-worthy furniture? Hold off until after securing your mortgage. Big buys before you get the green light can shake up your debt picture, influencing loan approval.
4. Missing Bill Payments:
Consistent and timely bill payments are vital for a healthy credit profile. Late payments or defaults can significantly impact your credit score, signalling to lenders a potential risk in managing financial commitments. Maintain a track record of on-time payments to bolster your creditworthiness.
5. Draining Your Savings:
While a substantial down payment is encouraged, completely depleting your savings is not advisable. Lenders appreciate borrowers who maintain a financial safety net, demonstrating responsible financial management. Strive to strike a balance between a robust down payment and retaining sufficient savings.
6. Co-Signing Loans:
Being a good friend and co-signing a loan? Admirable. Doing it during your mortgage hustle? Maybe not the best idea. Lenders look at all your financial ties, and co-signing could throw a wrench into your mortgage dreams.
Personal Guidance to Qualifying for a Mortgage
Qualifying for a mortgage demands financial prudence and thoughtful planning. By steering clear of these common pitfalls, you enhance your chances of securing a mortgage. For personalized guidance tailored and a streamlined mortgage qualification process Contact me today!
Sandra Forscutt
📞 780-905-6359
📧 sandra@sandraforscutt.ca
Recent Educational Blogs
To Refinance or Not to Refinance: Navigating Mortgage Renewal in 2025
March 2025 | To Refinance or Not to RefinanceAs mortgage renewal season approaches, many homeowners are grappling with a critical question: Should I refinance my mortgage? With interest rates higher than what many locked in years ago and looming financial pressures...
30-Year Amortizations on New Builds: What You Need to Know
February 2025 | 30-Year AmortizationsBig Changes in 2024!Last year, Canada shook things up with new mortgage rules. Initially, only first-time buyers of new builds could snag a 30-year amortization (starting August 1, 2024). But by September 16, 2024, anyone buying a...
Navigating the Mortgage Renewal Storm: Preparing for 2025
January 2025 | Mortgage Renewal Canadian homeowners face a significant financial challenge: mortgage payment shock. With approximately 1.2 million Canadians set to renew their mortgages in 2025, the landscape looks daunting, especially for those who secured loans...