Protect the active application
Ask the lender before opening new credit, financing furniture or making a large transfer that affects closing funds. Keep existing payments current. An account change can affect debts, reserves or the verification needed before funding even when a consumer score appears stable.
Use evidence for corrections
Dispute inaccurate information with the reporting company and the furnisher, retaining supporting records. Tell the lender about the issue and ask which documentation it needs. Do not send a generic dispute for an accurate item merely to try to hide it during underwriting.
Do not buy a guaranteed outcome
Credit-repair claims about a particular score increase or guaranteed mortgage approval deserve scrutiny. The underwriting timetable and credit-report updates are not controlled by this site. If a deadline is approaching, discuss realistic options with the lender and your transaction professionals.
A question worth asking
Can a last-minute payoff hurt my closing cash?
Yes. A payoff may reduce debt but also leave insufficient funds for closing or required reserves. Review both effects with the lender.
Check the source
Primary references checked October 28, 2026. Rules and product availability can change; confirm the requirements for your actual transaction.