Review all three credit reports
Look for inaccurate balances, duplicate accounts, unfamiliar accounts, or reporting errors. Dispute inaccurate information through the appropriate credit bureau process.
Mortgage readiness
Improve the credit profile before you need the loan.
Credit improvement is usually more effective when it starts months before a purchase. The right action depends on the actual credit report, balances, timing, and mortgage goal.
Avoid promises
There is no legitimate guaranteed score increase.
Credit-scoring models are complex and individual. A strategy can improve the underlying credit profile without guaranteeing a specific score, timeline, rate, approval, or loan result.
Pay every account on time
Payment history matters. Avoid new late payments while preparing for a mortgage.
Manage revolving balances
Credit-card utilization can affect scores. Paying balances down may help some profiles, but the effect varies by borrower.
Avoid unnecessary new credit
New accounts and hard inquiries can affect the profile and may create additional underwriting questions.
Do not close accounts blindly
Closing older revolving accounts can change utilization and account-age characteristics. Review the tradeoff first.
Keep cash available
Do not use every available dollar to pay debt without considering down payment, closing costs, reserves, and emergency liquidity.
Before making a large credit move
Do not open or finance major purchases right before closing without discussing the impact.
Do not move large amounts of money without keeping a clear documentation trail.
Do not assume paying off a debt always improves mortgage qualification in the way you expect.