Valentine's Day Do's and Don'ts For a Smoother Mortgage Process

By: Ted Rood •

Here's a special Valentine's Day installment of Do's and Don'ts for prospective buyers or refinancing homeowners embarking on, or already engaged in the  mortgage process.  In case it needs to be said, the "Don'ts" are strictly for comedy (though many are based on real world examples of things that will kill or greatly delay the mortgage process and/or impact your satisfaction with your new home).

The "Do's," on the other hand, are potentially valuable nuggets of information that may greatly benefit your mortgage experience.  In fact, most of them can end up making a difference in the success or failure of a loan, and at the very least, can help avoid costly delays.

Do: Remember that your loan officer and Realtor may have Valentine's Day plans, so avoid calling them at 10:00 PM.
Don't: Ask your agent if she'll "take your kids out to look at a few homes" so you and your sweetheart can enjoy an intimate dinner.
Do: Budget the money for a Valentine gift for your significant other.
Don't: Spend your entire down payment on a stunning set of solitaire earrings.
Do: Ask your lender before opening new accounts during the loan process.
Don't: Buy your special guy a Rolex with "12 months same as cash" the day before your closing.
Do: Remember that roses can be scarce and pricey on Valentine's Day; purchase yours in advance.
Don't: Inquire if your lender can obtain flowers for you since you're busy packing to move.
Do: Consider working extra hours so you have ample funds for a romantic evening.
Don't: Request to leave work early Valentine's Day, then quit your job when your boss says no.
Do: Make sure to allow adequate time in your schedule for your loan's closing.
Don't: Ask the title agent to "just skip the rest of the paperwork" so you don't miss your dinner reservation.
Do: Have your home tidy and clean to make a good impression on your appraiser.
Don't: Greet the appraiser with a glass of champagne "to thank you for your hard work."
Do: Consider your spouse's tastes when shopping for her at Victoria's Secret.
Don't: Ask your agent if she will model potential gifts for you "since you're the same size as my wife."
Do: Plan to move into your new home when friends and family can help.
Don't: Have a "moving in party" Valentine's Day night and invite your lender and Realtor.
Do: If possible, plan an amorous weekend getaway with your special someone.
Don't: Tell your agent you need to delay closing 3 days "since we're going to Aspen."