# Protect Your Mortgage Approval This Holiday Season

By Brian Dewald (@briandewald) · Published 2026-11-10

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The holidays bring sales, gifts, and plenty of temptation. If you’re buying a home or already under contract, a little restraint now can save your approval later.

Here’s what I tell every client this time of year.

**Hold off on big purchases.** That new furniture for the house or a holiday car deal can change your debt-to-income ratio overnight. Wait until after closing.

**Don’t open new credit.** Store cards with “save 20% today” offers trigger credit inquiries and new accounts, which can lower your score and raise questions from underwriting.

**Be careful with large cash gifts.** Family generosity is wonderful, but undocumented deposits need explaining. If a relative wants to help with your down payment, talk to me first so we can document it properly with a gift letter.

**Keep your job steady.** A year-end job change, even a good one, can affect your file. Let your loan officer know before you make a move.

**Stay reachable.** Holiday travel is fine, but make sure you can sign documents and answer questions quickly. Delays on your end can push back a closing date.

The goal is simple: keep your finances looking the same as the day you applied. Do that, and you’ll be celebrating in your new home sooner than you think.