Borrowers who enter into a mortgage deal often become too confident about their potential home that they start shopping around for a new bed or refrigerator. But making such a move can also mean they dig into their credit before they secure the loan, an article in the Los Angeles Times said. 

The article cites Raymond White, Equifax vice president, saying undisclosed debts — or fresh inquiries for additional credit never disclosed to the lender — turn up in nearly one out of five mortgage applications.

Some lenders watch a potential borrower’s credit during the application process to see if the home purchaser is planning to add any debt before the purchase, the article explained. 

Any slight increase in debt may push the debt-to-income ratio beyond the 45% threshold, creating excess risk.