Don't make an expensive purchase.  It's best to avoid making major purchases--such as, furniture, cars, appliances, electronic equipment, jewelry, or vacations until after the closing. Financing that furniture with a store credit card or even one of your own credit cards could temporarily jeopardize your credit worthiness.  Using cash to purchase big items can also create a problem because many banks take into consideration your cash reserve when approving your mortgage.

Don't get a new job.  Lenders like to see a consistent job history. Generally, changing jobs will not affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan--especially if you are going to be making more money.  But for some people, getting a new job during the loan approval process could raise some concern and affect your application.  However, there is one exception.  If you decide to become self-employed, it will adversely affect your loan. Most lenders want self-employed borrowers to be self-employed for at least 2 years.

Don't switch banks or move money around.  As the lender reviews your loan package, you will be asked to provide bank statements of your checking accounts, savings accounts, money market funds and other liquid assets for the previous two or three months.  To eliminate potential fraud, most loans require a thorough paper trail to document the source of all funds.  Changing banks or transferring money to another account--even if its just to consolidate funds--might make it difficult for the lender to document your funds.

Don't disregard the loan approval requirements.  In order to get final loan approval, it is necessary for you to provide documents that verify your income and assets (see Refi Document Checklist).  It is your responsibility to get us these documents as soon as possible.  Failure to submit certain documents might cause your loan to be denied.