T/F Before Getting a Mortgage

💳 Should You Open New Credit Cards Before Getting a Mortgage? (Spoiler: Nope!)

Becky the Goldendoodle says: PAW DOWN, fren!

Hey hey, it’s me—Becky, your real estate bestie and Barketing Manager here at A Notch Above Group. 🐾 I’ve got a juicy little myth to bust today, and trust me—it’s one too many pups fall for when they’re getting ready to buy a home.

Ready? Here it is:

“Before you sniff around for a mortgage, you should totally open a bunch of new credit cards to boost your score!”

🚫 FALSE, FREN! 🚫

Let’s dig into why that move is more likely to fetch you a denial than a dream home. 🏡

🐶 Why Opening New Credit Cards Is a Bad Move Before a Mortgage

Look, I know it’s tempting. You see a fancy new card with a sign-up bonus, or maybe someone told you it could give your credit score a boost.

But when it comes to buying a home? Opening new credit right before applying for a mortgage is one of the worst things you can do. Here's why:

1. It Can Hurt Your Credit Score

Every time you apply for new credit, your score can take a small hit. A few hard inquiries + new accounts = red flags to lenders. Not the good kind of red flag you chase at the dog park.

2. It Messes with Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

More credit means more temptation to spend. Even a small balance on a new card can skew your DTI (debt-to-income) ratio—and that’s one of the first things lenders sniff out. 🐕‍🦺

3. It Makes You Look Risky

Lenders want to see stable, responsible financial habits—not flashy moves and sudden spending sprees. New credit lines right before a loan? Kinda looks like you’re getting in over your paws.

🐾 Becky’s Pro Tip for Mortgage-Ready Credit

Want to impress those lenders and fetch the best mortgage possible?

✔️ Make your payments on time (every time!)
 ✔️ Keep your current credit utilization low
 ✔️ Avoid opening any new accounts or taking on new debt
 ✔️ Keep things steady like a good sit-and-stay

No last-minute financial chaos. Just solid, tail-waggin’ responsibility. 🙌🏼

🏡 What You Should Do Before You Apply for a Mortgage

Before you even bark up the lender tree, here’s how to prepare your finances the smart way:

  • ✅ Check your credit report for errors

  • ✅ Pay down credit cards to below 30% usage

  • ✅ Avoid big purchases (looking at you, new couch set)

  • ✅ Save for a down payment and closing costs

✅ Get pre-approved with a trusted lender (I know some pawsome ones—just ask!)

🐕 Final Bark from Becky:

Don’t let a well-meaning tip from your cousin’s roommate’s dog walker tank your home-buying plans.
 Opening new credit cards before applying for a mortgage is a big nope. 🐾

Stick to the basics, be consistent, and lean on your real estate pack (that’s us!) to guide you through the process—without any surprises.

📲 Thinking about buying a home?
 Let’s sniff out your next steps together. My team can connect you with trusted lenders who’ll get you on the right track, no card juggling required.

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 💬 Got questions about buying or selling? Slide into our DMs—I’ve got a whole team of humans ready to help you every step of the way (I supervise, of course). 🐶

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