04/03/2026
Thinking about buying a home? Your credit doesn’t have to be perfect – but small, steady habits can make a real difference.
On-time payments help establish a reliable track record, while keeping balances low supports healthy credit usage. Holding off on new debt can prevent short-term score dips, and keeping older accounts open helps maintain the length of your credit history – even if those accounts aren’t used often.
It’s also smart to check your credit report periodically. Confirm that your personal information and accounts are accurate, review account statuses and open dates, and watch for duplicates or unfamiliar activity. Looking at all three credit bureaus can help ensure your credit profile reflects your true financial picture.