Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Mortgage Process: Thanksgiving Edition

The holiday season brings joy, family, and… the occasional chaos — especially if you’re in the middle of buying or refinancing a home. In that spirit, here’s a special Thanksgiving/Black Friday edition of mortgage Do’s and Don’ts.

While the “Don’ts” are here purely for entertainment (though some are inspired by real-world scenarios), the “Do’s” are genuine tips that can help keep your mortgage process on track. Consider them your recipe for a smooth closing — minus the lumps.

🏠 Do: Think About Your Holiday Hosting Needs

A kitchen with the oven capacity to handle a full-sized turkey and Aunt Mildred’s sweet potato casserole is worth its weight in gold.

❌ Don’t:

Ask your prospective neighbor if you can “borrow” their oven before you’ve even moved in. That’s not the warm first impression you want to make.

🛒 Do: Make Sure Grocery Stores Are Conveniently Located

You’ll want quick access to last-minute ingredients (because something is always forgotten).

❌ Don’t:

Set up a backyard pen to raise a free-range turkey for next year. Zoning laws — and your HOA — might object.

💰 Do: Feel Confident About the Price You Offer

A strong, well-supported offer helps keep your mortgage process moving smoothly.

❌ Don’t:

Ask your loan officer if your appraisal fee qualifies for a Black Friday discount. Mortgage fees, regrettably, do not go on sale.

🚗 Do: Be Mindful of Parking for Holiday Guests

Your neighbors will appreciate thoughtful parking — especially when their own visitors show up.

❌ Don’t:

Line your block with “NO PARKING” signs. It may cut down on traffic, but it won’t win you holiday cheer.

🏡 Do: Use the Holiday Weekend to Tour Homes

Extended weekends offer great flexibility for seeing properties.

❌ Don’t:

Ask your agent to schedule 5:00 a.m. showings so you can hit Black Friday deals afterward. Even Realtors deserve sleep.

📺 Do: Enjoy Football Weekend in Your New Living Room

Few things compare to cheering on your team surrounded by family and leftovers.

❌ Don’t:

Hand out binoculars so guests can watch the neighbor’s larger TV. Creative, yes — advisable, no.

🥧 Do: Keep Antacids on Hand for Overindulgent Guests

Turkey, stuffing, pies… they're all part of the experience.

❌ Don’t:

Offer the home seller a plate of Aunt Mabel’s rum balls to “sweeten” the deal. Tempting, but not how negotiations work.

🧥 Do: Use the Spare Bedroom for Guest Coats

It keeps things neat, organized, and festive.

❌ Don’t:

Forget to check whether Uncle Fred is asleep under the coat pile after enjoying too many rum balls.

🍂 Do: Decorate Tastefully for the Holiday

Warm, inviting décor helps your new house feel like home.

❌ Don’t:

Install a giant, glowing rooftop turkey with a motion-activated gobble. Your neighbors will remember you — just not necessarily fondly.

📦 Do: Use Cyber Monday Deals to Furnish Your Home

It’s a great time to save on items your new home needs.

❌ Don’t:

Ship everything to your new neighbor’s address “so you don’t wake the baby.” That’s an awkward conversation waiting to happen.

🍁 Above All Else — DO Work with a Loan Officer and A Realtor Who Has Your Back

Your loan originator and realtor want your experience to be smooth, fast, and enjoyable. The best ones know that your satisfaction isn’t just important — it’s the foundation of their long-term success.

Happy Thanksgiving, happy home shopping, and may your mortgage process be smoother than your mashed potatoes! 🦃🏡✨

Questions About Buying, Refinancing, or Planning Your Next Move?

I’m here to help — during the holidays and every day.

📞 209-227-7745
📞 559-476-9279
📧 rbrtclark53@gmail.com
🌐 www.RobertClarkLoans.com