Do:

• Continue to make your mortgage or rent payments on time
• Stay current on all existing accounts
• Continue to work for the same employer
• Continue living at your current residence
• Keep credit card balances at or below 40% of credit limits
• Turn in all requested documents to your lender as soon as possible
• Communicate, communicate, communicate! Call the lender BEFORE doing anything regarding your employment, credit cards, or assets
• Inform you lender and title company of any changes in your marital status that will happen before close of escrow

Don't:

• Change your circumstances from the information originally given on your loan application, if anything changes let the lender know immediately
• Make a major purchase (car, boat, appliance, etc.)
• Apply for new credit or loans of any kind
• Quit your job or change employment
• Co-sign for anything with anyone
• Get your earnest money funds from a bank account that is not yours
• Take cash to get a cashier’s check unless you can document it
• Shred documents the lender may need for your file i.e., bank statements, pay stubs
• Pay off any collections or charge-offs before consultation
• Change bank accounts or banks unless advised
• Consolidate your debt into fewer accounts
• Start any home improvement projects
• Deposit cash or non-traceable funds
• Close credit card accounts
• Borrow money
• Transfer checking or saving balances from one account to another
• Max out or over charge existing credit cards
• Plan a vacation during your loan transaction without informing your loan officer