Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming once the loan paperwork begins. I’ve guided many first-time buyers through this process here in Southwest Florida, and the same few hiccups tend to pop up time and time again.
The good news? Most of them are completely avoidable with the right guidance.
Here are five things to avoid during your loan process — plus why they matter.
1. Don’t Change Jobs or Income Sources
Your lender looks for financial stability. Even if a new opportunity comes along, changing jobs during underwriting can reset parts of your approval and cause delays. It’s usually safest to make any career transitions after closing day.
2. Don’t Open or Close Credit Accounts
Every time you open or close a credit card, finance a car, or make other major credit changes, your score can fluctuate. Since your lender rechecks credit before closing, keeping things consistent helps avoid surprises.
3. Don’t Make Large Purchases (Yet!)
It’s natural to want to buy furniture or décor for your new home — but wait until after closing. Even a small purchase on credit can alter your debt ratio or trigger a new credit pull.
4. Don’t Ignore Lender Emails or Calls
Missing a document or not responding to a verification request can stall your loan progress. Keep communication open and check your email regularly during this stage.
5. Don’t Skip Pre-Approval
I always tell my buyers: getting pre-approved first saves time and sets you up for success. It helps you shop confidently within your budget and shows sellers you’re serious when making an offer.
Bonus Tip:
Keep records of everything — pay stubs, bank statements, and deposits. The more organized you are, the faster your loan officer can finalize your approval.
Wrapping Up
Buying your first home is a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. I work with trusted local lenders and guide my clients through each stage, so they always know what to expect.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward owning a home in Southwest Florida, I’d love to help you get started.
📞 Karla Torres, Realtor®
🌐 RealEstateSWFLA.com
📧 karla@realestateswfla.com | ☎ 239-878-2329
Serving Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers & surrounding areas
Equal Housing Opportunity. Realtor®. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.