Why Credit Scores Can Change During the Mortgage Process
Written for Louisiana Mortgage Handbook by Chasity Graff, Mortgage Broker/Owner of LA Lending, LLC.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-24
Quick Answer
Credit scores can change during the mortgage process because balances, payments, new accounts, inquiries, disputes, collections, and reporting dates can change.
That matters because credit can affect the rate, loan program, mortgage insurance, and final approval, with approved credit and final underwriting review.
Why Scores Move
Credit reports are not frozen in time. Accounts update, payments post, balances change, and new activity may appear.
Even if you do not open anything new, the timing of when creditors report balances can move the score up or down.
Why It Matters Before Closing
If credit has to be refreshed or repulled, the lender is looking at the current credit profile, not just the score from the first day of preapproval.
A score change may affect pricing, mortgage insurance, loan program eligibility, or whether the file still meets guidelines.
My Thought Process
This is why I tell borrowers not to make major credit moves while shopping or under contract.
Do not open new accounts, do not run up balances, do not make late payments, and do not change the credit picture without checking first.
Common Mistakes
- Buying furniture before closing.
- Opening a new credit card for a discount.
- Financing appliances or a car before the loan closes.
- Letting a payment post late because the borrower is focused on moving.
- Assuming the original preapproval score will stay the same forever.
Bottom Line
Credit can change before closing, and those changes can matter.
The safest plan is to keep your credit profile as steady as possible until the loan is closed and funded.
Related Questions
- What Not to Do With Credit Before Closing
- What Happens If Credit Has to Be Repulled?
- Credit Score Basics for a Mortgage
- How Long Does a Preapproval Last?
Educational Note
Educational note: This page is meant to explain the mortgage process in plain English. It is not a loan approval, commitment to lend, rate quote, or legal/tax advice. Mortgage programs, pricing, payments, documentation requirements, and guidelines can change. Final approval depends on credit, income, assets, property approval, appraisal, title review, underwriting review, lender guidelines, and approved credit.