Don't go it alone. It's wise to have your own buyer's agent. Don't rely on the seller's real estate agent, that agent's loyalty is to the seller.

Don't go buying stuff. Spending your savings or running up credit card debt could make a difference in your interest rate and whether you even qualify for a mortgage. Avoid spending money, whether by credit card or with cash, until after the closing is completed.

Don't change jobs until after closing. Lending institutions like to see steady employment and generally insist that self-employers show two years of successful income.

Don't mess with your credit. Don't try "fixing up your credit" without talking to a professional.

Don't throw out bills, bank statements, or tax returns. Organize all your important papers that may be requested by a lender, such as W-2s, 1099 income statements, recent pay stubs and tax returns for the past couple of years if you're self employed.