09/01/2026
WHAT YOU SHOULD (or shouldn't) DO 60 DAYS BEFORE APPLYING FOR A PRE-APPROVAL
I've seen these things pop up WAY too many times recently, and thought I'd put a list of small easy things you can do that can make life much easier when going through the pre-approval process (and save you money lol)
1. Try to not use Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, etc. until AFTER closing or within 60 days of buying a house. These services are a a nightmare to document, and we may have to include the payment in your debt to income ratio, so it's often easier to just avoid using them entirely before applying.
2. Aim to have your credit cards PAID OFF or ideally under 20-25% utilization 30-45 days before your credit is pulled. I have seen credit scores be 30-60 points lower than they would be paid off (or under 25% usage) simply because there is one credit card (or a couple) that has 90% utilization that are usually paid off monthly.
The higher credit score could potentially allow you to qualify for more house, a lower interest rate, and save you thousands of dollars $$$
3. Try to not open any new credit accounts 60 days before applying (credit cards, car loans, personal loans, etc.). These can potentially lower your score up to 20 points just from opening them. IF YOU DO OPEN THEM BEFORE, make sure you disclose that to your loan officer, as there is a good chance it hasn't yet reflected on your credit report.
Hope this adds some value!
