If you take out a personal loan just before or during your home search, it will trigger a "hard inquiry" on your credit report and change your score. In the mortgage world, any sudden change in credit during the underwriting process is a massive red flag that can stall or kill the deal. When a Personal Loan Actually Works

State and local programs that provide grants or forgivable loans to first-time buyers.

Unlike a personal loan, many lenders allow you to borrow against your own retirement savings for a down payment because you are technically borrowing from yourself.

Traditional mortgages are hard to get for vacant land. If the plot is inexpensive (e.g., $20,000), a personal loan might be the only way to finance it quickly. Better Alternatives FHA Loans: Require as little as 3.5% down.

There are two specific scenarios where this strategy is common:

Even if you find a lender that allows it, a personal loan carries a monthly payment. Mortgage lenders look closely at your . Adding a large personal loan right before applying for a mortgage can spike your DTI, potentially causing the bank to reject your mortgage application because you now look "over-leveraged." 3. The Timing Issue