Securing a mortgage isn’t easy. It’s a complex process that you want to handle with care. Take a look at some of the major mistakes you should try to avoid, courtesy of Colin at My Money:

1. Not Checking Your Credit: since a bad credit score can negatively affect your mortgage interest rate (or leave you without approval), be sure to check your credit several months in advance. You want to make sure you have time to make changes and get your score back to where it should be.
2. Applying for New Credit Alongside the Mortgage: when you apply for new credit, you’re seen as a greater credit risk. You don’t want this to ruin your eligibility or bump up your interest rate.
3. Neglecting to Look at the Total House Payment: your mortgage payment consists of the PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance). If you don’t factor your property taxes and insurance premium into your overall mortgage budget, then you could underestimate your monthly payment.
4. Job Hopping: steady employment and income is extremely important to underwriters. Try to save job changes (unless it’s in the same field) until after you’ve closed your mortgage.
5. Not Getting Pre-Approved: getting mortgage pre-approval shows home-sellers that you’re serious.

For 5 more excellent tips for prospective home-buyers, be sure to check out 10 Major Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid.