09/09/2026
This is one of the most important things I tell every single client. A pre-approval is based on a snapshot of your finances at the start of the process. A clear to close means underwriting has fully verified everything and you are ready to sign at the closing table. Between those two points, anything that changes your credit, income, or debt can put your loan at risk.
That means no new credit cards, no new car loans, no big furniture purchases on credit, and no job changes until after you close. I've seen deals fall apart days before closing because of an Amazon credit card opened for a small discount.
š Always ask me before you make any big purchases during your loan process.