Here’s How to Clean Up Your Credit Score Before Buying a House!

Thinking of buying a home soon? Before you dive into listings and open houses, there’s one crucial number you should focus on: your credit score. 🏦✨

Your credit score plays a major role in determining your mortgage rate, and even a small improvement can save you thousands over the life of your loan. Let’s break down how you can clean up that score and set yourself up for homebuying success!

🧼 1. Check Your Credit Report

Start by requesting your free credit report from all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look out for errors, such as accounts you didn’t open or incorrect payment statuses. If you spot any issues, dispute them right away. It’s your right — and your responsibility — to keep that report accurate!

💳 2. Pay Down Credit Card Balances

One of the fastest ways to boost your score is by reducing your credit utilization ratio. Aim to keep your usage under 30% of your available credit — or better yet, under 10%. For example, if you have a $10,000 limit across all cards, try to keep your balance under $1,000.

📅 3. Make On-Time Payments

Your payment history makes up the largest chunk of your credit score. Even one missed payment can have a big impact. Set up calendar reminders or automate your bills to make sure you never miss a due date again!

📈 4. Don’t Open New Credit Accounts (Yet)

It might be tempting to open a new line of credit to boost your score, but new credit inquiries can temporarily lower your score and may raise red flags with mortgage lenders. Hold off until after your mortgage is secured.

🎯 5. Keep Old Accounts Open

Thinking of closing an old credit card you never use? Don’t! Your credit history length helps your score. Keeping older accounts open — even with zero balance — helps demonstrate responsible long-term credit management.

💬 Need Help?

Not sure where to start or want professional guidance? Whether you need to connect with a trusted lender or a credit specialist, I’ve got resources to support you on your homeownership journey.

Let’s chat and get your credit — and your future home — in shape!