What should I avoid doing between pre-approval and closing?

The list

Your approval is a snapshot, and it is re verified shortly before closing. These are the changes that most often cause problems.

• Financing furniture or a vehicle, which adds a monthly obligation to your debt ratio.
• Opening or closing credit accounts.
• Changing employers, changing to commission pay, or becoming self employed.
• Depositing cash or unexplained transfers, which underwriters must source.
• Paying off a collection or a debt without telling your loan officer first.

If something has to change

Life does not pause for a mortgage. If a job offer or a family gift appears, tell your loan officer before it happens rather than after. Almost everything can be structured. Very little can be unwound.