How Black Friday Spending Can Impact Your Mortgage Approval

Black Friday is known for doorbusters, deep discounts, and deals that are hard to ignore. But if you’re planning to buy a home in the near future, there’s another kind of “shopping” that matters even more this season: shopping for the right mortgage.

While everyone else is lining up for the latest gadgets or upgrading appliances, smart future homeowners are focusing on their financial picture—and sometimes skipping Black Friday may actually get you into a home faster. Here’s what you need to know...

Before You Hit “Buy Now”: Why Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Matters

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look closely at your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio—how much you owe each month compared to how much you earn.

Black Friday purchases, even the “can’t miss” ones, can sneak into your DTI faster than you think:

• Putting big purchases on a credit card increases your monthly minimum payment.

• Financing options like “buy now, pay later” still count as debt—yes, lenders see those too.

• Even small impulse buys can add up and shift your qualifying numbers.

  
  

A higher DTI can mean:

• Qualifying for a smaller loan amount

• Having to pay off new debt before being approved

• Higher interest rates

• Or in some cases, not qualifying at all

If homeownership is on your radar, your best Black Friday move may be protecting your financial position, not adding to it.

Trade the Deals for Dollars Toward Your Dream Home

This year, consider a different kind of deal: Skipping Black Friday could be the fastest path to homeownership.

Every dollar you don’t spend is a dollar that can strengthen your homebuying readiness. Instead of a new TV or computer, you could:

• Boost your down payment

• Build a stronger emergency fund

• Keep your DTI ratio low

• Avoid unnecessary new debt

• Improve your credit utilization

In fact, just one avoided purchase could keep your debt low enough to qualify for a better mortgage rate—saving you potentially thousands over the life of the loan.

That’s a deal no big-box store can beat.

If You’re Shopping for a Mortgage This Season, Start Early

Mortgage shopping doesn’t require a checkout line—but timing does matter. The earlier you plan, the more buying power you create for yourself.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Get pre-approved before the holiday spending begins

   • This gives you a clear picture of your budget and guards against overspending.

2. Talk to one of our mortgage experts about your DTI before taking on new debt

   • A quick review now can prevent surprises later.

3. Compare multiple mortgage options—rates, terms, and programs

   • Think of it as “price matching” for the biggest purchase of your life.

4. Explore down payment assistance or first-time buyer programs

   • These can stretch your savings even further—no coupon code needed.

Black Friday can be fun—but so is moving into a home you love.

If you’re planning to buy a home soon, consider shifting your focus from retail deals to financial readiness. Avoiding unnecessary debt today could open the door to your new home sooner than you think.

Ready to Start Your Mortgage Shopping?

Our team is here to help you understand your numbers, compare your options, and create a personalized path to homeownership—this season and beyond.