HOW TO NOT QUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGE
- johnathanmcquoid
- Jan 17
- 2 min read
If someone wanted to guarantee they NEVER get approved for a mortgage, there are a few foolproof ways to sabotage the process. Here’s a tongue-in-cheek look at how people accidentally destroy their own mortgage chances.
See how these mistakes derail approval every time 👇
1️⃣ Quit or change jobs at the worst possible time
Lenders need stability — not surprises.
✔️ quitting during approval kills the deal
✔️ switching jobs resets probation
✔️ unstable hours = automatic decline
Even a better-paying job can pause eligibility until income history is re-established.
2️⃣ Max out credit and avoid saving money
High consumer debt destroys borrowing power.
✔️ car loans slash how much home you qualify for
✔️ credit cards raise your debt ratios
✔️ big monthly payments crush approval
If the goal is to NOT qualify, financing a truck or motorcycle is an excellent strategy.
3️⃣ Provide messy or unverifiable bank statements
Down payment proof must show 90-day history.
✔️ large unexplained deposits raise red flags
✔️ missing names or account numbers cause delays
✔️ blacked-out statements get rejected instantly
If documentation looks like an FBI file, lenders will not proceed.
4️⃣ Destroy your credit score by paying nothing on time
Credit issues stop approvals cold.
✔️ missed payments
✔️ collections (especially phone bills)
✔️ over-limit balances
Even one ignored cell phone bill can derail a mortgage application for years.
5️⃣ Choose a property no lender wants to finance
The home itself must qualify — not just the borrower.
✔️ unsafe homes
✔️ poor neighbourhoods
✔️ major structural issues
If a lender can’t resell it easily, they won’t lend on it — even if income is solid.
💬 Final Thought
These are the exact behaviours that block thousands of people from homeownership every year.
Avoiding these pitfalls keeps your approval on track and protects your long-term financial goals.
The Frontline Mortgage Group can review your income, credit, documents, and lending options to make sure YOU qualify instead of ending up like this list.