People who have just qualified for a mortgage loan are usually in better-than-average financial shape. If you have recently purchased a new house, don’t be surprised if you receive numerous offers in the mail from retail stores and other credit card companies offering you pre-approved revolving credit. Lenders will consider you a favorable prospect (or target!).

Please be cautious about accepting these offers! New home owners often use most of their savings in the process of financing the transaction, and they need everything from linens to furniture to get settled in the home. With all of the immediate credit available, it may be very tempting to just say “Charge it!” If you’re not careful, you could be “up to your ears” in debt very quickly. It takes discipline to reach the goal of home ownership — and it takes the same discipline to maintain financial health after you leave the closing table.