Thinking About Buying? Know Your Credit Score
Knowing your credit score or getting a recent copy of your credit report is one of the first steps that you can take toward knowing how ready you are to start the home buying process.
Make sure all the information listed on your report is accurate and work to correct any mistakes. The higher your credit score, the more likely you will be to receive a better interest rate for your mortgage, which will translate into more ‘home for your money.’
Many potential buyers believe that they need a 750 FICO® Score or higher to be able to purchase a home. The truth is that according to Ellie Mae’s Origination Report, over 53% of loans were approved with a FICO® score under 750 last month!
Here are some tips for improving your credit score:
-
Make payments, including rent, credit cards, and car loans, on time.
-
Keep your spending to no more than 30% of your limit on credit cards.
-
Pay down high-balance credit cards to lower balances, and consider balance transfers to free up credit.
-
Check for errors on your credit report and work toward fixing them.
-
Shop for mortgage rates within a 30-day period – too many spread-out inquiries can lower your score.
-
Work with a credit counselor or a lender to improve your score.
Once you know your score, your next step will be finding a lender and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Doing this will ensure that you know your budget before you start looking for your dream home.
To view original article, please visit Keeping Current Matters.
Should I Move with Today’s Mortgage Rates?
While you could delay your plans until rates drop, you’ll only have more competition with those buyers if you do.
The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home
Keep in mind, every time you make a big decision in your life, especially a financial one, you need an expert on your side.
Don’t Let Your Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Plans
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. The best way to make a decision about your goals and next steps is to talk to the professionals.
Boomers Moving Will Be More Like a Gentle Tide Than a Tsunami
While not all baby boomers are looking to sell their homes and move – the ones who do won’t all do it at the same time.
The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here
The third week of April brings the best combination of housing market factors for sellers.
Is It Easier to Find a Home to Buy Now?
To help you explore the growing list of choices you have now, team up with a local real estate agent you trust.
What Every Homebuyer Should Know About Closing Costs
Your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing.
What Are Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market?
If you’re planning to move soon, you might be wondering where prices and mortgage rates are headed, and how to navigate today’s market.
4 Tips To Make Your Strongest Offer on a Home
Your agent is your partner in navigating details. Trust them to lead you through negotiations and help you figure out your best plan.
Why Today’s Seller’s Market Is Good for Your Bottom Line
The market is still working in favor of sellers. If you house is ready and priced competitively, it should get a lot of attention.