No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.
There are many factors that impact your ability to secure a mortgage, and your credit score is one of them. This article will outline why credit scores are so important when it comes to mortgages and why you should ensure that yours is healthy.
Your credit score plays a crucial role in your ability to get approved for a mortgage. In fact, it is the most important factor that lenders use to assess your ability to secure a home loan to buy a home. As such, you’d be well-advised to do what you can to make sure your credit score is as healthy as possible.
Not only does your credit score impact your ability to secure a mortgage, but it also affects the mortgage interest rate that your lender offers you.
Your credit score, specifically your FICO score, has the single biggest impact on the rate you will qualify for, especially when looking at conforming and jumbo loans (FHA and VA loans are more flexible when it comes to credit).
You have three FICO scores, one from each credit bureau, Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax. All of the bureaus have slightly different calculations on what they look at when determining your score. In addition, the calculations are adjusted depending on what type of debt you are applying for. Your FICO score when applying for a credit card or car loan will be different than when applying for a mortgage.
While the credit bureaus don’t publish how they calculate a credit score, below is how some experts think a FICO score is weighted.
1. Payment history on things like credit cards, car loans, mortgages, etc. (~35%)
2. Balances vs. available credit on revolving debt like credit cards or personal loans (~30%)
3. Length of time you’ve had established credit (~15%)
4. Recent credit inquiries (Multiple credit inquiries within a short time-frame when applying for a mortgage will not have a significant impact on your score (~10%)
5. Type of credit (Ideal combination is a mortgage, a car loan and two to three active credit cards (~10%)
So what impact does a credit score have? In the chart below, we provide you with the impact your credit score has on the closing costs for different credit score ranges based on today’s interest rate of 3.29%.
| 30 Year Fixed $500k Purchase, 20% Down, Primary SFR | ||||||||
| Rate | Disc/Net Orig | APR | P&I Payment | Total Closing Costs | FICO Score | |||
| 3.750% | 0.000% | 3.786% | $1,852 | $3,278 | 740 – 850 | |||
| 3.750% | 0.250% | 3.806% | $1,852 | $4,278 | 720-739 | |||
| 3.750% | 0.750% | 3.848% | $1,852 | $6,278 | 700-719 | |||
| 3.750% | 1.250% | 3.889% | $1,852 | $8,278 | 680-699 | |||
| 3.750% | 2.250% | 3.974% | $1,852 | $12,278 | 660-679 | |||
| 3.750% | 2.500% | 3.995% | $1,852 | $13,278 | 640-659 | |||
If your credit score could use some improvement, there are some things you can do to give it a boost.
If you are not currently considering refinancing or purchasing a new home, it is wise to check your credit report to ensure nothing is being reported inaccurately. Credit reporting errors are more common than they should be and can be very difficult to correct in a short period of time.
If you are proactive, you can save yourself from a big surprise once you are ready to apply. Free credit report sites are an easy and free way to check against errors on your report; however, don’t expect to find out your credit score without paying a fee.
If you are currently in the market for a new home or considering financing, having your credit checked as part of your application is the best way to go. This will let you know exactly where you currently stand and whether or not work has to be done to improve your score.
If you choose the right lender and work with an experienced professional, they should be able to advise you whether there is anything that can be done to improve your situation.
I would not recommend trying to pay down debt or close down credit ahead of time without consulting with a loan professional first. Often we see clients try to improve their situation only to make things worse and jeopardize their loan approval.
Aside from removing late payments from your credit report, which can be difficult if they are being reported legitimately, the easiest way to improve your credit is to pay down the balances on your revolving debt.
For example, if you owe $1,000 on a credit card and the maximum balance on the card is $1,000, your credit will suffer as a result; however, if you can pay down the balance below 75%, 50% or ideally 25% of the credit limit, your score may see a nice bump higher. Again, I would caution doing this on your own prior to speaking with a mortgage professional, as there are times when paying down debt can backfire if those funds were needed to qualify for a mortgage.
The last resort to improve your score would be to use a credit repair company. If you decide to go this route, check with your lender to see if they have anyone they would recommend. Additionally, make sure you avoid any credit repair company that charges a large upfront fee for their services. Most reputable companies will offer a free consultation and charge on a monthly basis with no long term contract.
If you have questions about mortgages, we can answer them? Sammamish Mortgage is a local, family-owned company based in Bellevue, Washington and currently offer mortgage programs in all of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. We’ve been helping borrowers with their mortgages since 1992, and we’d love to help you too. Please contact us with your mortgage-related questions!
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
{hours_open} - {hours_closed} Pacific
No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.