Securing the loan: Your credit and credit scoreBy
Bankrate.com
Mortgage lenders closely scrutinize your financial
history to determine whether to approve your loan application.
Of primary concern are your credit
report, which details your loan history, credit cards, mortgages,
bankruptcy filings and other financial information, and your credit
score, which uses your credit report to arrive at a numerical representation
of your overall creditworthiness.
Credit scores (sometimes called FICO scores
after Fair Isaac & Co., the firm that created the most commonly
used form) range from the 300s to about 900, with most home buyers
falling in the 600-700 range.
Factors used to determine your credit score include:
- Past delinquency:
Those who have failed to make payments in the past tend to do
so in the future. The more recent a delinquency, the more it counts
against you; a 30-day delinquency within the past 12 months really
hinders your chances of securing favorable mortgage terms.
- Length of credit:
The longer you've had credit, the better.
- Credit use: If you're
"maxed out" or close to your credit limits, you're viewed
as risky.
- Mix of credit:
Someone with a combination of revolving and installment debt is
considered less risky than one with only a secured credit card.
The higher your credit score, the less risky you appear
to a lender. A good credit score will help you qualify for a mortgage
loan and obtain better terms.
Cleaning up your credit report
Why check your credit report before your lender does?
Because an estimated four out of five credit reports
contain some kind of misinformation -- errors
you'll want to clear up before approaching any lender.
Obtain copies of your credit report from all three credit reporting
agencies -- Equifax,
Experian and Trans Union. Probably each will differ from the others
in small ways.
Tips for cleaning up your credit report
- Look closely for any errors and correct them. Check
for credit cards you no longer use and close them out.
- Note late payments and credit balances; you may
have to explain them to a lender.
- Compare account numbers to make sure they're yours.
- Resolve outstanding bills.
- Pay all bills on time.
- Limit your amount of outstanding credit. Even if
you pay your bills on time, you'll improve your credit score by
having lower balances and fewer cards.
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