3 Things That Can Hurt Your Chances of Buying a Home in Ventura County

Buying a home in the next year? Small choices start to matter now, because a lender will look at your debts, your payments and your job. I am a Ventura County Realtor and a licensed mortgage loan officer, and these are the three things I tell buyers to watch.

Quick answer: Three things can hurt your chances of buying a home: a big new debt like a car loan, missed payments, and quitting or switching careers right before you buy. Not sure about a move? Ask a loan officer before you make it. This is general information, not an approval. You must qualify.

Why can a new car loan hurt your chances of buying a home?

Because every monthly debt payment you add counts against what you can borrow. If you plan to buy a house in the next 12 months, I would hold off on a new car or a big car loan.

On an FHA loan, every applicable monthly debt goes into your debt-to-income ratio, including the payment on a new auto loan or lease, per the FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1.

Life happens. If your car breaks down and you need one, nobody will tell you no. But think about a used car, or one with a low monthly payment.

It is not only cars. Most new debts with a monthly payment count: furniture on a payment plan, credit cards, personal loans and business loans. Take on too many, and your pre-approval can come back lower than you hoped. My pre-approval guide shows how lenders count it.

How do missing payments affect buying a home?

Missed payments on your car, your credit cards or anything else you owe can drop your credit score, and lenders may want to know why. Most credit scores treat repayment history as the number one factor, says the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in How do I get and keep a good credit score?

So pay every bill on time. Set up automatic payments or reminders if that helps. And keep living the way you have been: steady, consistent, money in and money out. This is not the year for a big lifestyle change.

What about disputing a late payment? Only if it is a real error. You have the right to dispute mistakes on your credit report. But figure out why it happened, and ask your loan officer first, because an open dispute can slow a loan down.

Can changing jobs hurt your chances of buying a home?

It can, if you leave a gap or switch to a new line of work. Maybe you are tired of your job and want to quit. I laugh, because some people really do go that way. But a gap in your work history can come into question. On an FHA loan, for example, after a gap of six months or more, the lender may need you back in your line of work for at least six months before it counts your income.

Switching industries can affect you too. On an FHA loan, a new line of work means extra steps to document stable income.

A promotion, a raise or a better job in the same field is usually fine. Just do not quit and figure it out later if you hope to buy in the next 12 months.

When should you talk to a loan officer?

Before you make the move: before you sign for the car, give notice or file a dispute. A loan officer can run your numbers and tell you, “With that monthly, you are fine.” Or, “With that monthly, the price you want will not work.”

I know both sides, so I can answer the house question and the loan question in one conversation, and I work with my lending team on the loan. Consultations are free, and you are free to choose any lender. Start with the questions to ask before you talk to a lender. Already told no? Read what to do if you did not qualify.

The short version

In the 12 months before you buy, skip the new car loan if you can, pay every bill on time, only dispute real errors, and keep your job steady. Not sure? Ask first.

Every file is different, and requirements vary by loan and lender. I am not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD or FHA. If you are buying in Ventura County, send me a message and work with me.

Common questions

Should I buy a car before buying a house?

It is usually better to wait until after you buy the house. A new car payment adds to your debt-to-income ratio, which can lower what you can borrow. If you need a car now, look at a used one with a low monthly. Ask a loan officer to run the numbers first.

Does a credit card or furniture payment count against my mortgage?

Yes, credit card and furniture payments generally count. Card payments, furniture on a payment plan, personal loans and business loans all add to your debt-to-income ratio, and that can lower what you can borrow. Think twice before you open new accounts in the year before you buy.

Do late payments hurt my chances of getting a mortgage?

Yes, late payments can hurt your chances. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says most credit scores treat repayment history as the number one factor. Lenders may also ask you to explain late payments. Get current, stay current, and set up automatic payments if that helps.

Should I dispute a late payment before applying for a mortgage?

Only dispute a late payment if it is a real error, and ask your loan officer first. An open dispute can slow a loan down, and on an FHA loan larger open disputes mean the file is reviewed by hand. Figure out why the late payment happened and whether you can address it.

Can I change jobs before buying a house?

You can, but how you change matters. A promotion or a better job in the same field is usually fine. Quitting can leave a gap that a lender may ask about, and a switch to a new line of work means more paperwork. Talk to a loan officer before you give notice.

Sources

• HUD (FHA): Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Sections II.A.4.b (credit and debts) and II.A.4.c (employment), last revised August 12, 2026
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What is a debt-to-income ratio?, last reviewed August 28, 2023
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: How do I get and keep a good credit score?, last reviewed October 29, 2026
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: How do I dispute an error on my credit report?, last reviewed September 2, 2026

Program details described here reflect lender guidelines and are subject to change without notice. Guidelines vary between versions of these programs and between lenders. This is general information, not a loan commitment, an offer to lend, or a guarantee of any rate, term, or approval. Every file is different. Speak with a licensed loan officer about your specific situation.