Whether you are buying a new home, refinancing or getting a home equity loan, your credit report is perhaps the most significant factor in determining your mortgage application's approval, interest rate and monthly payment. It is important that borrowers do everything they can to protect their situation during the application phase. There are a few recommendations for borrowers while their paperwork is being processed that are designed to ensure they receive the best possible rates and terms.

Very simply, it is essential that borrowers do not jeopardize their chances of the best possible rate and terms during the application phase of the mortgage, therefore they should refrain from any financial activity that will significantly alter their credit profile. For example, mortgage applicants should not apply for, or accept, any new credit cards or other loans while their mortgage paperwork is being processed. They should delay any major purchases, such as cars, until after they have settled on their property and signed all applicable mortgage documents.

Since the mortgage approval process can take several weeks, and sometimes even months, lenders will commonly pull an additional credit report just prior to settlement to look for significant changes to a borrower's profile that would otherwise change the terms of their approval. In the event that something new is noted, the lender reserves the right to withdrawal their initial offer until further underwriting and consideration can be completed.

Additionally, it is important that borrowers refrain from transfers into or out of existing bank accounts once the mortgage application has been submitted. Since lenders evaluate a borrower's financial stability, any noticeable changes in account status or balances may further alter the terms of approval and/or interest rates. Borrowers should be cognizant that their normal daily routines should continue, and nothing out of the ordinary should be brought to a lender's attention.