10/13/2023
If you are looking for the best mortgage products and rates you need to be meticulous about managing your credit. The algorithm that is used for your report does not care who you are, what you do for a living or how much money you have, it just cares how responsible you are with your bills
1) Regularly Monitor Your Credit Report: Make it a habit to check your credit score via your banking app on a monthly basis. If you notice any irregularities or an unexpected drop in your score pull your full Equifax and Transunion credit reports immediately to investigate the cause. It is wise to pull both reports at least once a year, giving you the opportunity to address any issues that may need attention.
2) Pay Your Bills Promptly: One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy credit report is to always pay your bills on time. Set up automatic payments for all your bills. Life can get hectic, and missing a credit card minimum payment due date can negatively impact your credit. Even if you usually pay your full balance each month, an automatic minimum payment ensures you never miss a due date.
3) Mind Your Credit Card Balances: Strive to keep your credit card balances well below your credit limit. Ideally, your credit card balances should not exceed 50% of your credit limit. Equifax recommends ensuring your balance does not exceed 30-35%. Maintaining a balance higher than what is recommended can adversely affect your credit score.
4) Be Cautious About Closing Credit Card Accounts: Avoid closing credit card accounts with a lengthy history, If you must cancel a credit card, consider closing the newest ones. If you're planning to apply for credit in the near future, such as a mortgage, it's advisable to postpone canceling any credit cards until after your loan is funded. Canceling credit cards can have a negative impact on your credit score, and older cards tend to carry a more significant weight in the assessment.
5) Limit Hard Inquiries: Be mindful of the number of hard inquiries you make. Excessive inquiries can lead to a drop in your credit score. When applying for new credit, be strategic and avoid unnecessary inquiries. Lenders do not like credit shoppers
6) Diversify Your Credit Portfolio: It's not just about having credit; it's also about using it responsibly. Maintain at least three active trade lines on your credit report, This can include a mortgage, personal loan, line of credit, and/or credit cards. Using these credit accounts responsibly showcases your financial reliability. In the eyes of credit reporting agencies, having no credit history can be nearly as detrimental as having poor credit, so be sure to strike a balance between utilization and responsibility.