What NOT to Do Right Before Closing on Your Home!
You’re so close you can taste it. The paperwork is nearly done, the house is practically yours, and your Pinterest board is already full of DIY ideas. But before you break out the champagne and start measuring for that new sectional, let’s pump the brakes. There are a few things you should absolutely not do right before closing. Trust me—your future self will thank you.
1. Don’t Make Any Major PurchasesImagine this: you walk into an appliance store, lock eyes with the most beautiful stainless-steel refrigerator you’ve ever seen, and think, “This baby would look perfect in my new kitchen!” Before you know it, you’re at checkout, swiping your credit card. Big mistake.
Your lender sees this like a parent catching you sneaking cookies before dinner. That new fridge—or couch, or giant flat-screen TV—might seem harmless, but it can mess up your credit score or debt-to-income ratio at the last second. And yes, lenders check again right before closing. So instead of imagining that fridge chilling your sparkling water, picture it chilling your entire closing process.
Pro tip: wait until you have the keys in hand. Furniture stores aren’t going anywhere, and that TV will still be on sale next month. 2. Don’t Change JobsLet’s say you get a shiny new job offer the week before closing. You’re excited—better pay, cooler office, maybe even casual Fridays. But to your lender, that career jump looks like instability. They want to see steady, predictable income, not a sudden plot twist in your employment history.
Even if the new job pays double, it can still create delays because lenders need new paperwork, new verifications, and more explanations. In short: they’ll freak out. Keep your lender happy, keep your job stable. Your career glow-up can wait a few weeks.
3. Don’t Forget to Pay Your BillsYou’d be surprised how often this one happens. Between packing boxes, changing your address, and figuring out which drawer the Tupperware lids belong in, it’s easy to let a bill or two slip. The problem? That missed payment could tank your credit score at exactly the wrong time.
Imagine finally getting to the finish line, only to be told, “Oops, your credit score dropped because you forgot to pay your $75 internet bill.” That’s like tripping right before you cross the marathon finish line. Not fun.
Solution: set up auto-pay, double-check your due dates, or even pay bills a little early during closing week. 4. Don’t Make Large Deposits Without DocumentationSuddenly found a random stack of cash under your mattress? Planning to dump it into your checking account?
Bad idea. Lenders get suspicious of large, unexplained deposits. They want a paper trail—pay stubs, bank transfers, even a gift letter from Grandma if she’s the generous type.Picture this: you proudly deposit $10,000 in cash, but when your lender asks where it came from, you have no proof. Now, instead of focusing on closing, you’re explaining how “no, really, it wasn’t from robbing a bank, it was from selling my old comic book collection.” Not exactly the vibe you want right before move-in.
5. Don’t Ignore Your Lender’s RequestsYour lender is basically your financial babysitter at this point. If they email or call asking for one more bank statement, don’t roll your eyes and hit snooze. Every delay on your end is a delay in closing.
Think of it like ignoring texts from your mom. You can dodge them for a bit, but eventually, she’s going to show up at your house with that “I told you so” look. The faster you respond, the smoother things go. Keep your phone handy, check your inbox, and send documents promptly.
6. Don’t Plan Any Big TripsYes, I know. The thought of escaping to a beach with bottomless margaritas right after house hunting sounds magical. But disappearing right before closing is risky business. You might miss time-sensitive requests, important calls, or (gasp) the actual closing appointment.
Picture this: you’re lounging on the sand, sipping a piña colada, when your phone buzzes: “We need one more signature or your closing will be delayed.” Good luck finding a printer and scanner on the beach.
Save the trip for after. Margaritas taste better in your new backyard anyway. 7. Don’t Pack Away Important DocumentsIn your packing frenzy, it’s tempting to throw all your paperwork into one big “miscellaneous” box. But what happens when your lender suddenly asks for a tax return, pay stub, or last month’s bank statement? Now you’re knee-deep in boxes labeled “Kitchen Stuff” and “Random Drawer Junk” wondering where on earth you packed your W-2.
Avoid the scavenger hunt. Keep all important documents in one clearly labeled folder and carry it with you, not buried under bubble wrap.
The Bottom LineClosing should feel like the grand finale, not an obstacle course. Keep your finances steady, your documents close, and your lender on speed dial. Avoid these last-minute slip-ups, and you’ll be walking into your new home stress-free and ready to celebrate.
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