Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions that most people will ever make. It is a major milestone in life, and the process of buying a home can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, before you start searching for your dream home, it is essential to get your credit in order.
Your credit score is one of the most important factors that lenders use to determine whether or not to approve your mortgage application. A good credit score can help you qualify for a lower interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.
Below, we outline why having good credit is important when buying a home, how to improve your credit score, and how to maintain good credit after you have purchased a home. However, as mentioned elsewhere on this website, everyone’s financial situation is different and you shouldn’t make financial decisions based on this or any other similar general-information blogs; so, please seek the advice of a licensed loan originator with your specific questions.
Why Good Credit is Important When Buying a Home
Your credit score is a central element that lenders use to determine whether or not to approve your mortgage application. A low credit score can make it difficult to get approved for a mortgage, and even if you do get approved, you will likely end up with a higher interest rate and less favorable terms.
Lenders care about your credit score because it is a measure of your creditworthiness. In other words, it indicates how likely you are going to repay your debts on time. Lenders want to minimize their risk, and a good credit score is a sign that you are a responsible borrower and someone safe to lend money to.
In addition to affecting your ability to get approved for a mortgage, your credit score can impact the amount of money you are able to borrow. Lenders will typically look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) when deciding how much money to lend you. DTI is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. If you have a high DTI, it may be difficult to get approved for a large mortgage, even if you have a good credit score.
Improving Your Credit Score
If your credit score is not as high as you would like it to be, there are several steps you can take to improve it. Here are some tips to help you boost your credit score:
Check your credit report regularly
The first step to improving your credit score is to know what it is, i.e. know your score, and to get a clear idea of the biggest factors dragging it down. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion)once a year. Review your report carefully and look for errors or inaccuracies. If you find any errors, be sure to dispute them with the credit reporting agency.
Pay your bills on time
Payment history is the most important factor that goes into calculating your credit score. Late payments can have a significant negative impact on your score, so it is important to make all of your payments on time. Consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to help you stay on track.
Reduce your credit card balances
Another element that goes into your credit score is your credit utilization ratio. This is the amount of credit you are using compared to your total available credit. Ideally, you should aim to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%. If you have high balances on your credit cards, focus on paying them down as quickly as possible.
Don't close old credit accounts
Length of credit history is also part of the credit score calculation algorithm. If you close an old credit account, it can shorten your credit history and potentially hurt your score. Instead of closing accounts, consider keeping them open and using them occasionally to keep them active.
Limit new credit applications
Every time you apply for new credit, it can have a temporary negative impact on your credit score. If you are planning to apply for a mortgage in the near future, it is best to limit the number of new credit applications you make. Only apply for credit when you really need it, and avoid applying for multiple types of credit at once.
Maintaining Good Credit After Buying a Home
Once you have purchased your home, it is important to continue to maintain good credit. Here are some tips to help you do so:
Make your mortgage payments on time
Just like with other debts, it is important to make your mortgage payments on time. Late payments can have a significant negative impact on your credit score and may even result in foreclosure.
Avoid taking on new debt
After you have purchased a home, it may be tempting to take on new debt for things like furniture or home improvements. However, taking on too much new debt can hurt your credit score and make it more difficult to make your mortgage payments. Try to limit new debt and focus on paying off existing debts instead.
Maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio
As mentioned earlier, your credit utilization ratio is the amount of credit you are using compared to your total available credit. To maintain a healthy ratio, aim to keep your credit card balances low and avoid maxing out your credit cards.
Check your credit report regularly
Even after you have purchased a home, it is important to continue to monitor your credit report for errors or inaccuracies. Remember, you can get a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies.
Recap
Getting your credit in order is an important first step when preparing to buy a home. A good credit score can help you qualify for a lower interest rate and save you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. If your credit score needs improvement, there are several steps you can take to boost it, such as paying your bills on time and reducing your credit card balances. After you have purchased a home, it is important to continue to maintain good credit by making your mortgage payments on time, avoiding new debt, and monitoring your credit report for errors. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage and enjoy the benefits of homeownership.