Please, please don't do this! I cannot stress enough how risky it is to take on any new debt while you're in the process of buying a home in Fort Mill, Waxhaw, or anywhere in the Charlotte metro area. This is one of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make. Here's what happens: lenders check your credit again right before closing – it's called a "soft pull" or re-verification. If you've opened new credit cards, financed furniture, bought a car, or taken onany new debt, it changes your debt-to-income ratio and credit score

Even if the monthly payment is small, it could push you over the lending limits and kill your loan approval days before closing. I've seen buyers lose their dream homes in Ballantyne because they couldn't resist opening a store credit card to save 10% on appliances for their new house. I've had clients who financed a car because they thought they needed more reliable transportation for their commute to their new home in Indian Land. In both cases, it caused their loan approval to be rescinded at the last minute

This isn't just about credit cards and car loans. Don't co-sign for anyone else's loans, don't apply for personal loans, don't even let furniture or appliance stores run your credit "just to see if you qualify." Every credit inquiry and new account can potentially impact your mortgage approval. My advice: wait until after you have the keys to your new home in Weddington, Marvin, or wherever you're buying. I know it's tempting when you're excited about furnishing your new placeor upgrading your lifestyle, but resist the urge

Once you've closed, you can apply for all the credit you want. But until then, don't do anything that changes your financial picture. Your mortgage approval is too important to risk over a furniture purchase or credit card signup bonus.