5 Mortgage Mistakes To Avoid When Buying a Home in 2025

Market Update Jeff Lang September 16, 2025

Interest rates are dropping, but one wrong move could cost you your mortgage. Here are the five biggest no-nos during the home-buying process.

You have decided to buy a new home—congratulations! It's incredibly exciting to look at all the sexy photos online of your potential new home. But before you get carried away, it's important to pause and talk about the reality of the process.

Buying a home isn’t just about picking out the prettiest pictures online. It comes with steps, decisions, and watchouts you need to know about from the start.

The first step is getting pre-approved. The good news is that interest rates are down to 11-month lows. In our expensive market, jumbo rates are now on par with 30-year fixed loans, when just last year there was a 0.75% spread. National rates are around 6.25% and many of my lenders are quoting rates in the upper fives. That gives you much more purchasing power.

Here’s something important to know: when you apply for a mortgage, your information can be sold to credit bureaus, who then resell it. That’s why many buyers suddenly get swamped with sales calls.

By being proactive during your loan application, you can avoid this. A lender I trust suggested OptOutPrescreen.com. This is a free website allowing customers to opt out of receiving credit card and insurance offers that are generated when lenders pull their credit information.

Next, once pre-approved, you can start shopping for your home. But it’s critical that you don’t change the very things that got you pre-approved in the first place.

"Your lender is the best source of advice to avoid a last-minute hiccup."

Here are the top five things not to do until after closing:

1. Don’t have relatives deposit “gift funds” into your account.

2. Don’t make any transactions or deposits that can’t be explained.

3. Don’t liquidate cryptocurrency before going into contract.

4. Don’t change jobs without consulting your lender first.

5. Don’t take on new debt. This is not the time to buy a new car or boat.

Your lender is always the best source to avoid last-minute hiccups with your loan. Before you take any major financial action, talk to them first. They can guide you through the safest way to handle it.

And if you don’t already have a trusted lender, I’d be glad to connect you with professionals I work with regularly. Reach out to me at [email protected] or call (650) 766-6412. I’ll make sure you get the guidance you need for a smooth path to closing.

Jeff Lang

Primary phone
(650) 766-6412
License Number
#01221669
Email
[email protected]
Address
1440 Chapin Ave,
Burlingame, CA 94401

About The Author

Jeff Lang's career in real estate is a testament to his strategic, growth-oriented mindset and his dedication to helping clients navigate the unique landscapes of San Mateo County. With his focus on areas from Burlingame to San Carlos and Pacifica since 2011, Jeff has become an invaluable asset to those seeking the perfect balance of urban and suburban life. His appreciation for the county's temperate weather and easy access to a plethora of outdoor activities resonates deeply with his clientele, who seek both the vibrancy of urban living and the tranquility of suburban spaces.

Beginning his journey in commercial real estate in San Francisco in 1997 and later transitioning to residential real estate in La Jolla, Jeff has honed a deep understanding of the industry. Known for his professional, caring, and patient approach, he brings a results-oriented and responsive attitude to every transaction. Jeff's unique strength lies in his ability to outperform competitors by leveraging his extensive experience and education.

Jeff leverages his education having received his JD and an MBA, alongside numerous real estate certifications including Master Certified Negotiations Expert and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, enabling him to devise winning strategies for each transaction. His approach not only ensures success but also puts his clients at ease, earning their trust and loyalty.

Outside of real estate, Jeff's life is as dynamic and multifaceted as his professional pursuits. His hobbies range from trail running and hiking with his dog to playing golf, tennis, and pickleball, and he's an enthusiastic Peloton user. A proud graduate of law school at the age of 42 and an Ironman triathlon finisher, Jeff's achievements speak to his determination and commitment. These qualities, combined with his professional expertise, make him an exceptional choice for buyers, sellers, and investors—especially in the $2m+ range—who are looking for more than just a transaction but a partnership with a seasoned expert who will turn them into raving fans.

In his over two decades in real estate, Jeff is most proud of partnering with his clients to build the life of their dreams. It helps that Jeff is a negotiations shark, having competed nationally as president of the negotiations team in law school and as a Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE). His MBA and JD also give him and his clients a competitive advantage in every transaction, leading to his listings selling for 4.8% more than the average San Mateo County agent and offers getting accepted 6x more frequently.

If you are looking for an agent who will take on your goal as their own and be relentless in their pursuit of achieving that goal, then you want Jeff as your partner. He’s completed five marathons, including one in Antarctica, and dozens of triathlons, including an Ironman. His passion for taking on a challenge and grinding away to craft creative solutions is unparalleled. Jeff has a natural talent for putting things in perspective, keeping your eye on the prize, and clarifying the strategy to provide opportunities for success in your transaction.

A few of Jeff’s other certifications include NAR’s ePro for advanced digital marketing and NAR’s Green Designations for sustainability in real estate, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification, Keller Williams’ BOLD program, and Tony Robbins’ Mastery University. He is also a member of the Institute for Luxury Marketing. These help him and his clients outpace the competition by selling at a higher price and getting offers accepted more often. This track record and partnership continue to provide repeat and referral business, the basis for his growing business.

Reach out to Jeff for a free consultation to discuss your real estate goals. He would be happy to make your goals his and utilize his extensive experience to make it happen.