A mortgage loan is one of the biggest financial commitments you'll probably ever make. Avoid these common home mortgage mistakes for the smoothest experience possible.

Become Self-Employed or Change Jobs

You're considered "safe" by a lender when you have a full-time job. The lender knows just how much you'll be paid and that your next paycheck is right around the corner. This is not true for people who are self-employed.

Lenders want to see consistent income. Unless you've been working as a self-employed person for at least two years, you might not be able to use self-employed income for the mortgage loan approval process. People who are self-employed can get a home mortgage, but the process is usually more complex than for those who are traditionally employed.

Steady employment history is important, too, which is why changing jobs is not a good move even if you'll earn more money by doing so. Your lender wants to see an employment history of at least two years, which demonstrates income stability.

While your mortgage loan is in process, do not quit your current job or start your new company. You could delay or defeat your home mortgage approval.

Inadvertently Damage Your Credit Score

Lenders watch your credit score closely throughout the mortgage loan process. This three-digit number indicates how likely you are to pay your bills in a timely manner. You'll have to pay more in interest if your score is lower. When it's very low — such as under 640 — you'll have a hard time finding a lender who will approve a mortgage loan for you.

Be mindful of your credit score so you don't accidentally damage it during the home mortgage process. One late bill, for example, can damage your score once it's more than 30 days overdue. If you apply for other credit products during this time, such as credit cards and auto loans, you could lower your score. When creditor inquiries are too close together, it is considered a financial red flag.

Get Stuck on the Interest Rate

It's only natural to want the mortgage loan with the lowest interest rate. However, the loan with the lowest rate isn't necessarily the best option in the long run. A very low-interest home mortgage could have other charges and fees which make it more expensive than a loan with a higher rate.

Review the full costs and fees breakdown of every loan offer you receive instead of focusing only on interest rates. Use free online mortgage loan calculators to see the true cost of your offers before accepting one.

A mortgage loan is a major long-term commitment, so it's crucial you get it right. Take your time during the home mortgage process to talk to the right people and make an educated decision.