What is a Good Credit Score?
A credit score is a method for lenders to establish how well a borrower can meet their debt obligations. Credit tells a story of the borrower’s ability to pay debts on time and also predicts a borrower’s ability to handle debt in the future. Having good credit is an essential step in the home buying process.
Excellent credit: 750+
Good credit: 700-749
Fair credit: 650-699
Poor credit: 600-649
Bad credit: below 600
How is a credit score determined?
Credit is broken down through the 5 C’s of credit: character, capacity, capital, collateral and conditions.
Character: The borrower’s credit reputation based on a credit score and employment verification that proves how faithful a borrower has been in paying off past debts.
Capacity: A borrower’s ability to pay back a loan. Capacity is determined based on an income-to-debt ratio that shows how much cash a borrower has available to pay back their mortgage each month.
Capital: Refers to how much of a down payment you make. Typically, the higher the down payment, the less likely the borrower will default on their loan.
Collateral: Additional asset(s) the borrower has in his or her name used as security for the loan.
Conditions: The terms of the loan and interest rate.
How do I Establish Credit?
You may have established credit years ago without even knowing! There are many ways to establish credit, including opening a checking or savings account, registering for a department store card, or signing up for a new credit card. Once you establish credit, it will continuously build as you use your accounts and cards.
Why Does Having a Good Credit Score Matter to Mortgage Lenders?
A credit score is one factor that helps the mortgage lender determine your loan amount, interest rate and terms for the mortgage. Mortgage lenders also consider your income, debt, employment history and the subject property when providing financing.
There is no specific credit score that is needed to get a mortgage, but having a good credit score and a strong credit history may help ensure a smoother process. If your credit score is not where you would like it to be, we can help you improve it!
How Can I Improve My Credit Score?
If you’re looking to purchase a home and want to improve your credit score, there are several different actions you should take.
- Pay Bills on Time
- Don’t max out your credit limit each month
- Establish credit as early as possible
- Space out credit applications
- Diversify your lines of credit
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix when it comes to improving your credit score, but focusing on healthy credit habits will help you maintain a good credit score.
How Can I Check My Credit Score?
You may check your credit score with any of the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It’s essential to keep in mind that each reporting agency may weigh credit score factors differently, which may present different credit scores.
How long does it take to rebuild your credit score
Unfortunately, there is no quick-fix when it comes to improving your credit score. The length of time it takes to change depends on the negative element that caused it to dip down. That’s why you should always be striving to pay down debt and follow the 5 C’s of credit.