11/02/2026
MORTGAGE MONDAY: CREDIT DOs AND DON'Ts
Getting ready to buy your first home? Congratulations! But before you start picking out furniture, let's make sure a few simple credit habits don't get in the way of getting to the closing table.
Here are four important reminders while your mortgage is being processed:
DO:
Keep paying your credit cards on time. Your payment history matters, so don't let a payment slip through the cracks.
Keep documentation for any large deposits. Your lender may need to verify where those funds came from, so keep a paper trail.
DON'T:
Open a new furniture store credit card before closing. That new payment and credit inquiry could affect your debt-to-income ratio and loan approval.
Change jobs or quit to start a business in the middle of the mortgage process without talking to your lender first. Changes in employment and income can create additional underwriting requirements and potentially delay your closing.
A LITTLE PLANNING NOW CAN SAVE A LOT OF HEADACHES LATER!
And remember, if you've been told NO — LET'S TALK! Your situation may deserve a second look. If the timing isn't right today, we can work together on a plan to get you ready for tomorrow.
Bruce Dawson
Senior Mortgage Loan Officer
Legacy Mortgage Services, Inc.
Phone: (931) 551-8999
Email: [email protected]
NMLS #33561 | Company NMLS #1613
Licensed in Tennessee and Kentucky
Veteran Serving Veterans — From Base to Backyard.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, veteran, or planning your next move, let's talk about your homeownership goals. I'll help you understand your options and develop a plan that makes sense.
Credit, income, eligibility, and underwriting requirements apply.