Did you know this about your credit?
Credit scores are used to assess risk and determine whether a borrower is approved or declined for a mortgage, credit card or some other type of credit. The score is a numerical value ranging from a low of zero to a high of 850 or 900 depending on the credit bureau. The higher the score, […]
Did you know this about your credit?
Credit scores are used to assess risk and determine whether a borrower is approved or declined for a mortgage, credit card or some other type of credit. The score is a numerical value ranging from a low of zero to a high of 850 or 900 depending on the credit bureau. The higher the score, […]

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Credit scores are used to assess risk and determine whether a borrower is approved or declined for a mortgage, credit card or some other type of credit. The score is a numerical value ranging from a low of zero to a high of 850 or 900 depending on the credit bureau.

The higher the score, the more likely the lender will be repaid in a timely manner.

  1. A higher credit score could help you get a lower interest rate
  2. You can get a free credit report from all three major bureaus at www.AnnualCreditReport.com.
  3. Your credit score doesn’t have to be perfect to get a loan … most lenders want buyers to have a minimum of 620 but FHA will consider as low as 500
  4. Credit utilization, the percentage of credit used compared to what is available, should be kept below 30%; amounts higher could negatively affect your credit score.
  5. There is a difference between a soft and a hard credit pull. The former doesn’t hurt your score, but the latter can lower it a few points. Try to avoid multiple hard inquiries.
  6. Credit cards, bank loans, car loans and home loans are considered "good credit" and a mixture of different types is helpful compared to only a car loan.
  7. Opening new credit accounts after you apply for a mortgage can hurt or even prevent you from being approved on the mortgage.

There are five components to making up a credit score. 35% of the weighted average is determined by payment history like paying on time. The next highest item is the amount owed and counts for 30% of your score. This component deals with credit utilization which is expressed as a percentage of what you owe divided by what is available.

The length of time you have had credit established accounts for 15% of the score. New credit and the types of credit accounts are weighted at 10% each. Opening several accounts in a relatively close period will negatively affect your score. While it isn’t necessary to have all types of credit like credit cards, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans, the types of credit in the mix are evaluated.

If you need help increasing your score, a trusted lender that provides your pre-approval can also make suggestions that would improve your credit. Contact your real estate professional to get a personal recommendation of a trusted mortgage lender.

LIST OF BLOGS

Courts of Fox Mill Homeowners Association

Historical Overview Origins and Development: The Fox Mill area, including the Courts of Fox Mill, began as a rural farmland before the mid-20th century. The transformation into a residential area was part of the post-World War II suburban boom. The specific...

Courts Cluster

Historical Context Fairfax County, named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1742. The Courts Cluster, located centrally within the county, is named for its proximity to the Fairfax County...

Courts at Riverwind

History of The Courts at Riverwind The Courts at Riverwind is a residential community managed by Flannery Property Management, located in Centreville, Fairfax County, Virginia. While specific historical details about its establishment are not directly available from...

Courtland Park

Historical Background Early Settlement and Development: Fairfax County itself was established in 1742, but the specific area of Courtland Park developed much later. Originally, the land that Courtland Park occupies was part of the vast tracts owned by colonial...

Courtland at Rolling Oaks Homeowners Association

History of Courtland at Rolling Oaks HOA Fairfax County has a storied history dating back to its establishment in 1742, named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. The creation of communities like Courtland at Rolling Oaks is a more modern development,...

Courthouse Woods HOA

Historical Background The inception of Courthouse Woods HOA can be traced back to the broader development patterns in Fairfax County during the late 20th century, a period marked by suburban expansion around the nation's capital. Fairfax County has a rich history,...

Courthouse Station Homeowners Association

History of Courthouse Station HOA Fairfax County, established in 1742, has a rich history of community development, with neighborhoods like Courthouse Station emerging as part of its suburban growth. Courthouse Station likely developed during a period when Fairfax...

Courthouse Oaks Homeowners Association

History of Courthouse Oaks HOA: Courthouse Oaks HOA is nestled within Fairfax County, Virginia, an area with a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1742. The community of Courthouse Oaks, however, represents a more recent chapter in Fairfax County's...

Courthouse Commons HOA

Historical Context Fairfax County, named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, has a rich historical tapestry beginning from its establishment in 1742. The area where Courthouse Commons now stands would have seen significant historical events, including...

Court of Chandon HOA

Historical Context Formation and Evolution: The Court of Chandon was established during a period when Fairfax County was rapidly expanding due to suburban sprawl influenced by the proximity to Washington D.C. The HOA likely came into existence in the late 20th...

RECENT POSTS

Courts Cluster

Historical Context Fairfax County, named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, has a...

Courts at Riverwind

History of The Courts at Riverwind The Courts at Riverwind is a residential community managed by...

Courtland Park

Historical Background Early Settlement and Development: Fairfax County itself was established in...

Courthouse Woods HOA

Historical Background The inception of Courthouse Woods HOA can be traced back to the broader...

Courthouse Commons HOA

Historical Context Fairfax County, named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, has a...

Court of Chandon HOA

Historical Context Formation and Evolution: The Court of Chandon was established during a period...

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