5 Things You Shouldn’t Do While Buying a Home

Published On: April 18, 2025|Categories: Real Estate|

Buying a home is a big milestone—and a big financial commitment. Whether you’re purchasing in Jasper, Evansville, or another part of Dubois County, making smart decisions during the process is just as important as finding the right property. One mistake could delay your closing or even cost you the home altogether.

This guide explains the following:

Don’t make major financial changes
Don’t open or close credit accounts
Don’t ignore lender communication
Don’t skip the home inspection
Don’t make large purchases

Here’s a closer look at each.

Don’t Make Major Financial Changes

When you’re in the middle of buying a home, lenders want your financial picture to stay consistent. Quitting your job, changing careers, or taking a new role with different pay can raise red flags—even if it’s a better opportunity.

Your mortgage approval is based on your current income, job history, and debt-to-income ratio. Any major changes before closing could cause your loan to be delayed or denied.

If something changes with your employment, tell your lender and REALTOR® immediately. Don’t wait until closing day to explain a sudden gap in paychecks or a new job offer.

Don’t Open Or Close Credit Accounts

Opening a new line of credit while you’re under contract is one of the quickest ways to cause problems with your mortgage. This includes:

Applying for a car loan
Opening a new credit card
Financing furniture or appliances

Lenders will likely do a final credit check right before closing. If your credit score has dropped or your debt-to-income ratio has increased, they could change the terms of your loan—or pull the approval entirely.

Likewise, don’t close any old credit accounts either. That could reduce your credit utilization history and hurt your score unexpectedly. Your best bet is to leave your credit as-is until after you’ve closed on the home.

Don’t Ignore Lender Communication

Throughout the process, your lender may reach out with questions or document requests. Delaying your response could delay your entire closing. Time-sensitive items like employment verification, updated bank statements, or letters of explanation are often needed to move the file forward.

Stay on top of your email and return phone calls promptly. If your lender asks for something, aim to send it over within 24 hours. The faster you respond, the smoother the process.

If you’re not sure how to interpret something, your REALTOR or lender can walk you through it. Buying a home in Huntingburg or Ferdinand shouldn’t feel confusing—but you do need to stay engaged.

Don’t Skip The Home Inspection

Even if the house looks perfect, skipping the inspection is risky. You could miss:

Structural issues
Roof problems
Plumbing leaks
Outdated electrical work
Mold, pests, or foundation issues

A good inspector will help you understand what repairs or upgrades the home might need—now or later. You can use this information to negotiate repairs, ask for a credit, or walk away if the issues are serious enough.

Your REALTOR will help schedule the inspection and walk you through the report afterward. Especially in places like Newburgh or Santa Claus, where older homes are common, the inspection is a must.

Don’t Make Large Purchases

Once your offer is accepted, it might feel like the right time to start buying things for your new home—but it’s not. Hold off on:

New furniture
Home appliances
Electronics
Vacation packages

Even if you’re paying in cash, large withdrawals from your accounts can raise red flags with your lender. They want to see stable reserves and spending habits through closing day.

Wait until after you’ve signed the final paperwork and have the keys in hand. Then, you can furnish and decorate to your heart’s content.

FAQ About What Not to Do During the Homebuying Process

Check out these commonly asked questions about what you shouldn’t do while buying a home. If you don’t see your question here, please call our office and we’ll find you the answers you need.

Can I Switch Jobs While Buying A Home?

It depends. If you’re moving to a similar role with equal or higher pay and a W-2 income structure, it may not be a problem. But you should always talk to your lender before making any changes.

What Happens If I Use My Credit Card For A Big Purchase?

Your credit utilization will spike, which could hurt your credit score. If it pushes your debt-to-income ratio too high, your mortgage approval could be affected.

Should I Pay Off All My Debt Before Applying?

Not necessarily. Sometimes paying off certain debts could help, but it could also reduce your available cash. Your lender will guide you based on your specific financial situation.

What If I Already Opened A New Credit Card?

Tell your lender immediately. It’s better to be transparent than to hope it won’t show up. They’ll let you know how to handle it.

Is It Okay To Move Money Between Bank Accounts?

Maybe. If you’re moving large amounts of money, your lender may ask for documentation. Always check first, and keep a paper trail.

Avoiding these common missteps is one of the easiest ways to keep your home purchase on track. With help from your REALTOR and a responsive lender, you can avoid surprises, delays, and financial headaches. Whether you’re buying in Dubois County or anywhere nearby, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

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Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

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