The process of buying or selling a home may seem overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t have to be. One thing you can do to make the experience as straightforward and stress-free as possible is to keep your finances as predictable as possible. Here are some things you should and shouldn’t do if you’re planning to buy or sell a home in the near future: 

You should: 

• Be honest with your Bell Bank Mortgage team about any updates to your personal situation. From changes in your marital or job status to travel plans before close, being upfront from the start will make the process easier. 
• Continue to make your credit card payments and stay up-to-date on your accounts. 
• Keep your home purchase savings separate from your daily living expenses. 
• Avoid making large deposits without first checking with your loan officer, as that could require additional documentation during the process. 

You shouldn’t: 

• Change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job. 
• Buy or lease a new car, or do anything that could cause your credit report to be pulled by other creditors. 
• Make large purchases like furniture, electronics or appliances. 
• Open new bank accounts or transfer large amounts of money between your accounts. 
• Co-sign any type of loan. 
• Accept gift funds for the down payment without talking to your loan officer first. (There are special steps for this process.) By avoiding any sudden changes to your finances or your credit score, you can help ensure your mortgage process goes off without any surprises.

This article was published in the Mortgage Summer Newsletter 2025.