Applying for a mortgage is a major milestone in your homeownership journey—but you’re not at the finish line quite yet.

Once your application is submitted, there’s a critical window of time before closing when you’re under the microscope. During this period, lenders are verifying that everything you submitted holds true and that you’re financially stable enough to take on the loan. That’s why it is important to avoid making sudden changes that could impact your credit, income, or savings.

Don’t change jobs or income sources

Switching jobs may seem like a positive move, especially if it comes with a raise, but it can create uncertainty for your lender, who wants to know that your income is reliable and consistent. For example, going from a salaried position to a commission-based role or becoming self-employed may indicate that your earnings will be more varied, even if they increase. So if an opportunity to change employers, pay structures, or job types comes up, it’s best to wait until after closing if possible—or consult your lender before making the switch.

Don’t make large purchases

Though shopping for a beautiful sectional or shiny car might seem like the perfect way to celebrate your new place, now is not the time for big spending. Any major purchase made with credit can impact your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which is a key factor in your mortgage approval. Even if you’re planning to pay cash, a large withdrawal from your savings can make lenders nervous. They want to see that you have the funds to not only buy the home but also handle future homeownership expenses comfortably.

Don’t cosign a loan for someone else

On a similar note, hold off on helping a friend or family member qualify for a loan. When you cosign, that debt shows up on your credit report and counts against your DTI. And the additional financial obligation can make it look like you have less capacity to afford your own mortgage, potentially affecting your approval or delaying your closing.

Don’t open or close credit accounts

Your credit score doesn’t just affect your loan approval—it can also impact your interest rate. And opening a new line of credit can cause a temporary drop in it, while closing an account might reduce your total available credit, increasing your credit utilization ratio. The safest move? Don’t make any changes to your credit accounts unless your lender advises otherwise.

Don’t miss a bill payment

Late payments can have a surprisingly big impact on your mortgage application. Just a single one on a credit card, car loan, or student loan can ding your credit and make you appear riskier to lenders. If you don’t already have precautions in place, set up calendar reminders, turn on deadline alerts, or schedule automatic payments to ensure that your payment history is clean and consistent, showing your lender that you’re a responsible borrower.

Don’t make large deposits without a paper trail

Your lender will carefully review your bank statements to confirm that your assets are stable and your funds are legitimate, and if you suddenly deposit a large amount of money, they will want to know where it came from. This can lead to delays while they verify the source, so if you’re receiving a monetary gift from, say, a family member wanting to help with your down payment or closing costs, be prepared to provide documentation, such as a gift letter and proof of the sender’s account.

Don’t ignore your lender’s requests

Throughout the mortgage process, your lender may reach out for additional paperwork or clarification on specific financial components. While these requests might feel repetitive or frustrating, they are a normal part of the process. Responding quickly will help keep your loan on track. Conversely, delays in communication can hold up your approval or, worse, put your closing date at risk. Stay engaged and responsive, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear.

Once you’ve applied for a mortgage, think of your finances like they’re on pause—no big moves and no surprises. Just keep everything consistent until after you’ve closed on your new home. And, above all, rely on your real estate agent to navigate these last few steps. They’ve seen it all before and can help you avoid any unintended hiccups to keep the process going smoothly.