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
First Responder Mortgage Program
Jan 2026 | First Responder Mortgage ProgramAt Metro Mortgage Group, we have deep respect for the everyday heroes of our city — the members of the Edmonton Police Service, EMS, and Fire Rescue Services. Your commitment keeps our community safe, often at great personal...
Pros and Cons of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Dec 2025 | Pros and Cons of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)If you’re a Canadian homeowner, you’ve probably heard friends or family talk about using a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. People often use it to renovate, consolidate debt, or help kids with school...
What the Latest Bank of Canada Rate Cut Means for Canadian Borrowers and Homeowners
Nov 2025 | What Rate Cut Means for Canadian Borrowers and Homeowners On October 29, 2025, the Bank of Canada made headlines by cutting its benchmark policy rate by 25 basis points. This move brought the policy rate down to 2.25%. For Canadians with mortgages, loans,...


