Equal Housing Opportunity NMLS #1909129
Barrett Financial Group, LLC · NMLS #181106
Charles Bacigalupi III
Mortgage Loan Originator · NMLS #1909129
UNDER CONTRACT · THE RULES

Do this. Don't do that.

We want this to be the best home-buying experience you've ever had — the kind of closing story you tell family and friends about for years. That's the goal. Here's how we make it happen: a short list of the things not to do while you're under contract, and a short list of the things that protect your closing.

Every rule below exists because we've seen it happen. When in doubt about anything — anything at all — ask Charles and his team before you act.

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14 THINGS NOT TO DO

Don't do these. They will delay or kill your closing.

Credit & Financial
1. Don't touch your credit.
No new accounts, no closed accounts, no balance run-ups. Normal use of existing cards is fine — just don't add to or subtract from your credit profile.
2. Don't apply for credit anywhere.
Even inquiries can trigger underwriting review. Skip the "sign up for our card and save 20%" checkout offers, the car dealership "just checking rates" pull, and the store credit card at the furniture store.
3. Don't miss a payment on anything.
Credit cards, car loans, student loans, utilities, rent, your current mortgage. A single late payment during underwriting can require re-approval.
4. Don't co-sign a loan for anyone.
Not for your kids, not for family, not for a friend. Co-signed debt counts as yours in underwriting — it doesn't matter that someone else is making the payments.
Employment & Income
5. Don't change jobs, employers, or pay structure.
Same job, same pay, same everything until closing. Even a promotion at the same company can complicate things. If your work situation is going to change at all, ask Charles and his team first.
Money Movement
6. Don't make cash deposits or accept gifts without asking first.
Cash deposits, gifts, and any money movement outside your normal paycheck need a conversation with us before anything happens — not after.
7. Don't move large sums between your accounts.
Every transfer creates a paper trail underwriting will ask about. If you need to move money for any reason, ask Charles and his team before you do it.
Purchases & Financing
8. Don't finance anything.
No car, no furniture, no appliances, no vacation. Even 0% interest promotions count as new debt. Wait 20 days.
Property & Contracts
9. Don't sign side agreements with the seller.
Any deal about appliances, furniture, or early access should go through your agent and the purchase contract — not a handshake or a text message.
10. Don't move belongings into the home before closing.
You don't own it yet. Early move-in complicates everything and can violate your purchase contract.
11. Don't cancel or lapse existing insurance.
If you own other property, keep insurance active. Once we have an insurance binder in place for your new home, don't switch carriers without letting Charles and his team know.
Communication
12. Don't ignore emails, texts, or calls from Charles and his team.
Silence is the single biggest cause of missed closing dates. Respond within 24 hours — even just to acknowledge you saw the message and will follow up.
13. Don't wire money based on emailed instructions alone.
Wire fraud is the #1 real estate scam. Always verify wire instructions by calling a number you looked up yourself — never a number that came from the email.
One more thing
14. Don't get married without asking Charles and his team first.
Yes, really. A marriage mid-loan changes your household composition, tax filing status, income calculation, and debt profile. Congratulations! Just tell us before the ceremony, not after. The same goes for divorce, sadly.
8 THINGS TO DO

Do these. They protect your closing.

1. Respond within 24 hours.
The single biggest factor in on-time closing. If you can't answer fully yet, respond to acknowledge and give an ETA.
2. Keep everything status quo.
No cash deposits. No major transfers in or out. Gifts and unusual money movement need to be discussed with Charles and his team BEFORE anything happens — not after.
3. Keep records of anything unusual.
A large business expense, a bonus, a tax refund, a check from a client that hasn't cleared. If it's out of the ordinary, save the documentation now so we don't have to hunt for it later.
4. Keep paying on time.
Rent, current mortgage, credit cards, everything. No exceptions.
5. Keep your bank accounts open and active.
Even ones you don't use much. Closing accounts mid-loan removes documentation underwriting may need.
6. Wait until after closing for major purchases.
The new couch, the new car, the celebration vacation — they'll all still be there in 20 days.
7. Verify every wire instruction by phone.
Look up the title company's number yourself. Wire fraud losses are almost never recoverable.
8. Ask Charles and his team before making any financial decision.
Not sure if something counts? Ask. Five minutes has saved dozens of closings. Not asking has never saved anyone anything.

When in doubt, ask Charles and his team.

That's what we're here for. Let's make this the closing story you tell at every dinner party for the next five years.

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