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.
Mortgage Rates Are Dropping. What Does That Mean for You?
It’s important to work with a trusted real estate professional who follows what experts are projecting for the months, and year ahead.
Planning to Retire? It Could Be Time To Make a Move.
Whatever your home goals are, a trusted real estate advisor can work with you to find the best option.
Ready To Sell? Today’s Housing Supply Gives You Two Opportunities.
Partnering with a local real estate professional can help you make sure you’re up to date on the homes available in your area.
What Every Seller Should Know About Home Prices
If recent headlines about home prices have you wondering what that means for your home’s value, let’s discuss the latest trends.
Key Advantages of Buying a Home Today
Buying a home in any market is a personal decision, and the best way to make that decision is to educate yourself on the facts, not the news headlines.
What’s Going on with Home Prices? Ask a Professional.
Your local real estate professional will be able to explain the latest trends in your specific market.
Prioritizing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer in Today’s Market
It’s important to be mindful of what’s a necessity and what’s a nice-to-have when searching for a home.
3 Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity
A real estate professional is the best resource to help you understand how much home equity you have and advise you on some of the ways you can use it.
Your House Could Be the #1 Item on a Homebuyer’s List During the Holidays
Each year, homeowners planning to make a move are faced with a decision: sell their house during the holidays or wait.
What Homeowners Want To Know About Selling in Today’s Market
The key to success today is being realistic and working with a trusted real estate advisor.