Think of your credit score like a financial fingerprint – unique to you with significant influence on your ability to borrow money, including for a mortgage. In this blog, we’ll demystify the concept of credit scores, address common questions that homebuyers often have, and shed light on how your credit score can impact every step of the homebuying journey.

So, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer eager to take that monumental step or a seasoned homeowner looking to brush up on your credit knowledge, keep reading to learn more about the intricacies of credit scores!

What are credit scores?

Your credit score is a three-digit number representing your creditworthiness and indicates to lenders how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. It’s essentially a numerical summary of your credit history and financial behavior.

Credit scores typically range between 300 and 850, with higher scores indicating a lower risk for lenders and better creditworthiness. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for favorable loan terms, such as lower interest rates and higher credit limits.

What is a “good” credit score?

According to FICO, a good credit score is 670 or higher. Here’s a breakdown of all the FICO Score ranges:

• Exceptional: 800 to 850
• Very Good: 740 to 799
• Good: 670 to 739
• Fair: 580 to 669
• Poor: 300 to 579

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How is my credit score calculated?

Credit scores are calculated based on various factors derived from your credit report. While the exact formulas used by credit scoring models are proprietary, they generally take into account the following key factors:

Payment history

Payment history is the record of your past payments on credit accounts, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages. Making your payments on time positively impacts your credit score, while late or missed payments can lower it.

Credit utilization

This refers to the percentage of your available credit that you’re currently using. Keeping your credit utilization low, ideally below 30%, demonstrates responsible credit management and can boost your credit score.

Length of credit history

The length of time you’ve been using credit accounts for a significant portion of your credit score. Generally, lenders view a longer credit history more favorably as it demonstrates your ability to manage credit responsibly and consistently over the years.

Credit mix

Lenders like to see that you can manage different types of credit responsibly, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages. Having a diverse mix of credit accounts can positively impact your score.

New credit inquiries

Each time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry is placed on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Multiple inquiries within a short period suggest you may be actively seeking additional credit, which may indicate financial instability or an urgent need for funds and signal to lenders that you’re a higher credit risk.

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What are the different types of credit scores?

Yes! Lenders use several credit scoring models to assess credit risk, but two of the most common are FICO Score and VantageScore.

FICO Score

Developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation, the FICO Score is one of the most widely used credit scoring models in the United States. It ranges from 300 to 850 and is based on information from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. There are several versions of the FICO Score tailored to specific industries, such as car loans, credit cards, and mortgages.

VantageScore

VantageScore is another prominent credit scoring model developed by the three major credit bureaus and provides an alternative to the FICO Score. Like FICO Scores, VantageScores range from 300 to 850 and are used by many lenders, especially for credit cards and other consumer loans.

Common Questions Homebuyers Have About Credit Scores

What is a good credit score for buying a home?

A good credit score for buying a home typically falls within the range of 620 to 850, although specific requirements may vary depending on your lender and the type of mortgage.

Conventional mortgages often require a minimum credit score of around 620 to 640, while FHA loans may accept lower credit scores, sometimes as low as 500, with a higher down payment.

Generally, the higher your credit score, the better your chances of qualifying for a mortgage and securing more favorable interest rates and loan terms.

How can I check my credit score?

There are several ways you can check your credit score on your own:

• Free credit reports: In both the United States and Canada, you can access your free credit report through Equifax and TransUnion.
• Credit monitoring services: Many websites and financial institutions offer free or paid credit monitoring services that provide access to your credit score and ongoing credit monitoring alerts.
• Credit card statements: Some credit card issuers provide free access to your credit score on your monthly statements or through their online portals.
• FICO and VantageScore websites: FICO and VantageScore also offer credit score access directly through their websites, but often for a fee.

Can I buy a home with bad credit?

While it’s possible to buy a home with bad credit, it can be challenging and may result in higher interest rates, larger down payments, or limited loan options. Some government-backed loan programs, such as FHA, VA, or USDA, may offer more flexible credit requirements for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.

How can I improve my credit score?

If you want to fix your credit to buy a house, you can do it with consistent financial habits, including:

• Paying your bills on time: Timely payment, including credit cards, loans, and utilities, is crucial for maintaining a positive credit history.
• Paying down any debt: Lowering your credit card balances and overall debt can improve your credit utilization ratio and positively impact your credit score.
• Avoiding new credit inquiries: Limiting the number of new credit applications can help minimize the impact on your credit score.
• Monitoring your credit report: Regularly reviewing your credit report for errors or inaccuracies and disputing any discrepancies can help ensure the accuracy of your credit information.

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How does my credit score impact my homebuying journey?

Mortgage approval

Your credit score plays a significant role in whether you’ll be approved for a mortgage. Lenders use your credit score as a key factor in determining your creditworthiness and assessing the risk of lending to you.

Higher credit scores generally increase your chance of mortgage approval, while lower scores may result in higher down payments, additional required documentation, or outright denial.

Interest rates and loan terms

Borrowers with higher credit scores typically qualify for lower interest rates, saving them money over the life of the loan. Conversely, borrowers with lower credit scores may be offered higher interest rates to compensate for the increased risk they pose to lenders.

Credit scores can also impact other loan terms, such as the amount of down payment required, mortgage type (conventional vs. FHA), and the loan duration.

Insurance rates

Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores, similar to credit scores, to assess the likelihood of a policyholder filing a claim. Studies have shown a correlation between lower credit scores and a higher likelihood of filing insurance claims, so a higher credit score may result in lower insurance premiums.

Loan approval speed

A higher credit score may help expedite the mortgage approval process, as lenders view borrowers with good credit as lower risk and require less extensive documentation or verification.

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Understanding how credit scores impact your ability to buy a home can help you prepare financially and navigate your homebuying journey with confidence and success. Building and maintaining good credit requires diligence and patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

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