7 Steps to a Happy Closing

Keep your loan on track and stress levels low with this guide from our trusted lending partner.

Buying a new home is one of life’s most exciting milestones and we’re here to help you enjoy every step of the journey. With the experienced team at First America Homes and our preferred lender, Stone Meadow Lending, you can feel confident that your homebuying experience will stay on schedule and lead to a smooth closing.

Here are 7 key tips to help ensure a happy, hassle-free closing day:

1. Stay in Your Current Job

Switching jobs in the middle of the mortgage process can delay your closing. Lenders need to verify your employment and income, so try to avoid any job or income changes until after you close on your new home.

2. Stick With the Same Bank

Switching banks or moving large sums between accounts can trigger additional documentation requirements. Keep your money where it is until your home loan closes to avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Only Deposit Paychecks

Lenders look closely at your account activity. Unexplained or non-payroll deposits can slow things down. To keep the process moving smoothly, only deposit your regular paycheck and avoid other cash inflows during this time.

4. Save Big-Ticket Purchases for Later

Thinking about buying new furniture or appliances for your new home? Great idea—just wait until after closing. Large purchases can affect your debt-to-income ratio and reduce how much you qualify to borrow.

5. Keep Current Credit Accounts Open

It might seem like closing unused credit cards is a good financial move, but during the loan process, it can hurt your credit score. Keep your existing credit accounts open until after your mortgage is finalized.

6. Ignore New Credit Offers

Tempting as they may be, avoid applying for new credit cards or buy-now-pay-later options from retailers like Klarna, Sezzle, Afterpay or Affirm. Even small credit checks can impact your credit score and complicate your approval.

7. Be Upfront About Your Financials

Your loan team may request additional documentation along the way. Responding quickly and honestly helps us stay on track for a timely closing. Rest assured, we only ask for what’s truly necessary—and your privacy is always a top priority.

Let’s Get You Home

At First America Homes, we work together with Stone Meadow Lending to make your homebuying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Reach out today and let us help you achieve your dream of homeownership with confidence and clarity.

Megan Teel, President
NMLS 323765
Stone Meadow Lending, LLC
Phone: 281-404-5577
24900 Pitkin Road, Suite 130, Spring, TX 77386
Company NMLS 2191063

Equal Housing Opportunity

For educational purposes only. Not a commitment to lend. Borrower must meet qualification criteria. This information is meant as a guide to help streamline the loan process and should not be considered as requirements when buying a home. Because each borrower’s individual situation and needs vary, please contact your loan officer before undertaking these and any other actions that may affect your loan transaction.