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It’s important to fully understand the mortgage loan process. Use the links below to learn more!

Credit Basics

How Can You Improve Your Credit Score?

Your score can improve by managing your credit responsibly over time and following some basic tips:

  • Make sure the information in your credit report is correct. You are entitled to one free credit report annually from the three credit bureaus - Experian, Transition, and Equifax. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to obtain your free reports. You may also purchase a copy of your credit score report through this website.

  • Review your credit report for accuracy (review the account-opened date, account balance, account limit and last activity information). Act quickly to correct erroneous information.

  • Pay down high credit card and revolving account balances, but don't close the account. Don't apply for credit that you don't need - excessive credit report "inquiries" can lower your score.

  • Avoid moving credit balances from one account to another just to take advantage of low introductory interest rates. The combination of "inquiries" and "new accounts" can negatively impact your score.

  • If possible, avoid "finance company" type credit accounts, including "90-day" and "12 months same-as-cash" accounts. Mortgage loans, installment loans and revolving credit card accounts impact your score more favorably than finance company accounts.

 

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