5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Mortgage in 2025
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Mortgage in 2025
Hamed Rahimi


Buying a home is exciting — but the mortgage process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. After funding $150M+ in mortgages, I’ve seen the same costly mistakes pop up again and again.
Here are the top five to avoid in 2025:
1. Not Getting Pre-Approved Early
Many buyers start shopping for homes before they know exactly what they can afford.
A pre-approval locks in your rate and shows sellers you’re serious — giving you a competitive edge in a hot market.
2. Making Big Purchases Before Closing
Buying a car, new furniture, or applying for another loan can change your debt-to-income ratio and risk your approval.
Save the big spending for after you get your keys.
3. Ignoring Alternative Lenders
Banks aren’t the only option.
Credit unions, monoline lenders, and alternative lenders often have flexible solutions — especially for self-employed clients or those with unique income situations.
4. Focusing Only on the Interest Rate
A low rate is great, but it’s not the whole story.
Prepayment privileges, portability, penalties, and term flexibility can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.
5. Going It Alone
Trying to navigate the mortgage market without expert guidance can cost you both time and money.
Working with a mortgage advisor gives you access to multiple lenders, insider knowledge, and a smoother process from start to finish.
Final Thought:
The mortgage process doesn’t have to be stressful — as long as you avoid these common mistakes and work with someone who puts your goals first.
Buying a home is exciting — but the mortgage process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. After funding $150M+ in mortgages, I’ve seen the same costly mistakes pop up again and again.
Here are the top five to avoid in 2025:
1. Not Getting Pre-Approved Early
Many buyers start shopping for homes before they know exactly what they can afford.
A pre-approval locks in your rate and shows sellers you’re serious — giving you a competitive edge in a hot market.
2. Making Big Purchases Before Closing
Buying a car, new furniture, or applying for another loan can change your debt-to-income ratio and risk your approval.
Save the big spending for after you get your keys.
3. Ignoring Alternative Lenders
Banks aren’t the only option.
Credit unions, monoline lenders, and alternative lenders often have flexible solutions — especially for self-employed clients or those with unique income situations.
4. Focusing Only on the Interest Rate
A low rate is great, but it’s not the whole story.
Prepayment privileges, portability, penalties, and term flexibility can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.
5. Going It Alone
Trying to navigate the mortgage market without expert guidance can cost you both time and money.
Working with a mortgage advisor gives you access to multiple lenders, insider knowledge, and a smoother process from start to finish.
Final Thought:
The mortgage process doesn’t have to be stressful — as long as you avoid these common mistakes and work with someone who puts your goals first.
Buying a home is exciting — but the mortgage process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. After funding $150M+ in mortgages, I’ve seen the same costly mistakes pop up again and again.
Here are the top five to avoid in 2025:
1. Not Getting Pre-Approved Early
Many buyers start shopping for homes before they know exactly what they can afford.
A pre-approval locks in your rate and shows sellers you’re serious — giving you a competitive edge in a hot market.
2. Making Big Purchases Before Closing
Buying a car, new furniture, or applying for another loan can change your debt-to-income ratio and risk your approval.
Save the big spending for after you get your keys.
3. Ignoring Alternative Lenders
Banks aren’t the only option.
Credit unions, monoline lenders, and alternative lenders often have flexible solutions — especially for self-employed clients or those with unique income situations.
4. Focusing Only on the Interest Rate
A low rate is great, but it’s not the whole story.
Prepayment privileges, portability, penalties, and term flexibility can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.
5. Going It Alone
Trying to navigate the mortgage market without expert guidance can cost you both time and money.
Working with a mortgage advisor gives you access to multiple lenders, insider knowledge, and a smoother process from start to finish.
Final Thought:
The mortgage process doesn’t have to be stressful — as long as you avoid these common mistakes and work with someone who puts your goals first.
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LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Mortgage News You Can Use
Stay informed. Save money. Stress less.
SUPPORT
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Mortgage News You Can Use
Stay informed. Save money. Stress less.
SUPPORT