Credit score guidance
Understand what your credit score means for the rates and loans you'll qualify for.
Your credit score is one of the biggest levers in how much your mortgage will cost you over time. A higher score generally means a lower interest rate, which can mean tens of thousands of dollars saved over the life of the loan. Start by pulling your free credit reports from all three bureaus and checking for errors, since mistakes are more common than you'd think and can be disputed. If your score needs work, focus on paying down revolving balances and making every payment on time for the next few months. Small, consistent moves matter more than dramatic ones right before you apply.
Checklist
- Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Check each report for errors or accounts that aren't yours
- Note your current score range and how it compares to typical loan minimums
- Pay down high revolving balances if your score needs a boost
This step is general educational guidance, not legal, financial, or real estate advice — your contract terms, deadlines, and local requirements always take precedence, so confirm specifics with your licensed professionals. Read our full disclaimer.