“Mastering Your Mortgage: Essential Do's and Don'ts for Central Valley Buyers” Part 3

More Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Mortgage Process: Part 3

Buying a home is one of the biggest milestones in life—and securing a mortgage is often the most critical step in that journey. Welcome to Part 3 of our “Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Mortgage Process” series, where we share practical advice to help your loan move forward without hiccups—while also poking fun at the real-life mistakes that have delayed or derailed other people’s mortgages.

Let’s be clear: the Don’ts are written with humor in mind (though many are inspired by actual situations lenders have faced). The Do’s, on the other hand, are serious tips that can make your mortgage experience smoother, faster, and far less stressful. In many cases, following them can be the difference between closing on time—or not at all.

Above all, remember this: your loan officer is just as motivated as you are to get your loan closed quickly and efficiently. A good loan officer knows that your satisfaction is key to their long-term success—so following these Do’s (and avoiding the Don’ts) will benefit you both.

✅ DO Ask About Rules and Restrictions

Do: Ask your real estate agent about any covenants or subdivision rules you’ll be expected to follow at your new home.
Don’t: Ask if you can run a combination pawn shop, tattoo parlor, and intimate café—“as long as the neighbors don’t find out.”

Do: Check with your title company about deed restrictions (like mineral rights).
Don’t: Start strip mining your backyard for gold after binge-watching Discovery Channel mining shows.

✅ DO Be Transparent and Timely

Do: Provide all pages of requested documents—unredacted.
Don’t: Tell your loan officer you “know for a fact” you can’t be asked for tax returns because they weren’t required when you closed a loan in 2007.

Do: Let your lender know if you have any second mortgages or HELOCs before you start your loan.
Don’t: Take a $20,000 cash advance on your HELOC three days before closing.

Do: Inform your lender if your insurance or property taxes have changed.
Don’t: Decide you’ll “shop around for homeowners insurance” and pick a provider the day before closing.

✅ DO Plan Your Loan Details Early

Do: Discuss rate and term options with your loan officer before starting the application.
Don’t: Switch from a 30-year to a 15-year, then to a 20-year midway through the process.

Do: Decide if you want cash back—and how much—before you apply.
Don’t: Ask for $10,000 cash back on a “no cash out refinance” 24 hours before closing.

✅ DO Respect the Appraisal Process

Do: Ask for clarification if the room count or square footage on your appraisal seems off.
Don’t: Call the appraiser every four hours to “see how it’s going.”

Do: Show the appraiser invoices for major upgrades.
Don’t: Expect a huge value bump because you planted three bushes and replaced your mailbox.

✅ DO Be Honest About Property Intentions

Do: Tell your loan officer if you’re buying from a relative.
Don’t: “Forget” to mention the three rental homes you already own outright.

Do: Be upfront if the home is for vacation use.
Don’t: Claim the duplex nine blocks away is your “vacation home.”

✅ DO Protect Your Credit (and Your Approval)

Do: Use existing credit responsibly unless your lender advises otherwise.
Don’t: Open three new credit cards to “save 10%” on curtains, bath towels, and throw rugs for your new home.

Do: Understand that rates vary by credit score, equity, loan purpose, property type, and other factors.
Don’t: Expect the same rate your friend with an 820 credit score locked in months ago when your score is 609—and rates have since gone up.

✅ DO Choose Professionals Carefully

Do: Ask your loan officer for agent recommendations—they know who gets the job done.
Don’t: Ask if you can use your ex-brother-in-law, who lives out of state and hasn’t held a license in four years, as your agent.

🚨 Don’t Jeopardize Your Loan Approval

During the mortgage process, stability is everything. Avoid major purchases, job changes, or opening new lines of credit until your loan closes. Even small changes to your financial picture can derail your approval—or cause costly delays.

Once your loan closes, your responsibilities as a homeowner are just beginning. From keeping up with routine maintenance to fully understanding your mortgage terms, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. A good lender’s support doesn’t stop once you get the keys.

✅ Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let uncertainty slow you down on the path to homeownership—especially here in the Central Valley. Contact me today at 209‑227‑7745, email me at rbrtclark53@gmail.com, or visit robertclarkloans.com. Together, we’ll make sure you have the right loan, the right advice, and the confidence to move forward.