📍 You’re under contract, and now your lender gets busy behind the scenes.
The faster you respond to document requests and the steadier you keep your finances, the easier it is to keep your loan moving toward closing.
📁 Your Lender May Need More Documents
Even if you already provided documents during pre-qualification or pre-approval, your lender may ask for updated information once you’re under contract.
Depending on your loan and financial situation, they may request items such as:
- Recent pay stubs
- Bank statements
- Tax documents
- Identification
- Employment verification
- Explanations or documentation for certain deposits
- Homeowners insurance information
- Other documents needed for underwriting
Send requested documents as quickly as you reasonably can. Delays in providing information can slow down the loan process.
And don’t panic if the lender asks for something you already sent. Updated versions may be required, different departments may review the file, or a newer statement may be needed before closing.
🏠 Start Working on Homeowners Insurance
Your lender will need proof that the property will be properly insured before closing.
This is a good time to begin shopping for homeowners insurance, compare coverage and premiums, and provide the lender with the insurance information they request.
If the property has special insurance considerations, such as flood coverage, your lender and insurance professional can help explain what may be required.
🚫 Protect Your Loan Approval
Once you’re under contract, one of the most important things you can do is keep your financial picture as steady as possible.
Your lender may continue to verify your credit, employment, income, assets, debts, and available funds before closing.
That means something that seems completely unrelated to buying a home can still affect your loan.
Do not authorize a credit inquiry for a car, furniture, appliance, credit card, store account, or anything else without talking with your lender first.
That includes offers with “no payments for 90 days” or payments that do not begin until after closing. The new debt can still affect your qualification.
Avoid opening new credit cards or closing existing accounts unless your lender specifically advises you to do so.
Co-signing can create a debt obligation that may affect your loan even if someone else is expected to make the payments.
Changing jobs, quitting, reducing hours, or changing how you are paid can affect underwriting. Talk with your lender before making an employment change.
Large transfers, cash deposits, or unusual deposits may need to be documented. Ask your lender how to handle them before moving the money.
Keep paying your current obligations on time all the way through closing.
Keep the funds you’ve set aside for your down payment, closing costs, and other required expenses available.
📞 When in Doubt, Ask First
You do not need to become a mortgage expert between contract and closing.
You just need to keep your lender informed.
Not sure whether something matters? Ask your lender BEFORE you do it—not after.
That simple phone call can prevent a financial decision from becoming a closing problem.
And remember: that new living room set will still be there after you own the living room. 😂
🚏 Before We Move On...
Here are a few questions buyers often have while their loan is moving through underwriting.
📄 Why does my lender keep asking for updated documents?
Some documents become outdated during the loan process, and underwriting may require current information before final approval. It is normal for lenders to ask for updated statements, pay stubs, or other documents as closing approaches.
💳 Can I finance furniture if the first payment is after closing?
Do not do it without speaking with your lender first. A new account or new debt may still appear on your credit and affect your loan even if the first payment is delayed.
🚗 What if I really need to buy a car?
Talk with your lender before allowing a credit inquiry, signing a loan, or making the purchase. A new vehicle payment can change your debt-to-income ratio and may affect your qualification.
💼 What if I get a better job offer before closing?
Call your lender before making the change. A new job may be perfectly workable, but underwriting may need additional documentation or may evaluate the new employment differently.
🏠 When should I arrange homeowners insurance?
Once you are under contract, begin working on insurance early enough to provide your lender with the coverage information they require before closing.
🛣️ Keep Your Lane Clear
Until you have the keys, don’t make a major financial move without talking to your lender first.
No new credit. No financed purchases. No co-signing. No surprise job changes. No large unexplained deposits or money moves.
Your lender is continuing to work toward final loan approval, and keeping your finances steady helps protect the progress you’ve already made.
Stay in your lane a little longer. Closing Day is getting closer.