Category Archives: Buying Myths

Understanding the Impact of Mortgage Inquiries on Your Credit Score

19 Friday May 2023

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Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility for various financial opportunities, including securing a mortgage for your dream home. However, many prospective homeowners are often concerned about the potential impacts of mortgage inquiries on their credit score. In this blog post, we will shed light on this topic, helping you understand how mortgage inquiries can affect your credit score and what steps you can take to minimize any negative impact.

1 – What are Mortgage Inquiries?

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will request your credit report from one or more credit bureaus to assess your creditworthiness. These credit report requests, also known as mortgage inquiries, are recorded on your credit history.

2 – Types of Mortgage Inquiries:

There are two types of mortgage inquiries: hard inquiries and soft inquiries. Hard inquiries occur when you apply for credit, such as a mortgage loan. Soft inquiries, on the other hand, occur when you request your own credit report or when a lender checks your credit for pre-approval purposes.

3 – The Impact on Credit Scores:

Hard inquiries may have a temporary negative impact on your credit score. Each hard inquiry typically results in a small decrease in your score, typically around 5-10 points. However, multiple inquiries within a short period may have a more significant impact, suggesting a higher level of risk to potential lenders.

4 – Time Frame for Inquiry Impact:

The impact of hard inquiries on your credit score is generally short-lived. In most cases, the negative effect lasts for about 12 months. After that period, the inquiries no longer factor into your credit score calculation. Soft inquiries, on the other hand, do not impact your credit score.

5 – Mitigating the Impact:
While you cannot completely avoid mortgage inquiries, you can minimize their impact on your credit score. Here are a few strategies to consider:


a. Rate shopping: When looking for a mortgage, aim to complete all your loan applications within a short time frame (e.g., 30 days). Credit scoring models typically recognize this practice as rate shopping and treat multiple inquiries as a single inquiry, minimizing the impact on your score.

b. Pre-approval process: Instead of applying for multiple mortgages with different lenders, consider getting pre-approved. Pre-approvals involve a soft inquiry and give you an idea of the loan amount you qualify for without affecting your credit score.


c. Focus on credit health: Prioritize maintaining a healthy credit profile by paying bills on time, keeping credit utilization low, and avoiding excessive debt. A strong credit foundation can help offset any minor impacts from mortgage inquiries.

Conclusion:
Mortgage inquiries, especially hard inquiries, may have a temporary effect on your credit score. However, with proper knowledge and planning, you can minimize the impact while searching for the perfect mortgage. Understanding the time frame for inquiry impact and adopting smart strategies like rate shopping and pre-approval can help you navigate the mortgage process without undue stress on your credit score. Remember, a strong credit history built on responsible financial habits is key to achieving your homeownership goals.

Are you ready to fulfill your dreams of homeownership? If so, let’s connect today and make it happen! At RMF Realty Team, we specialize in helping individuals and families find their perfect home and navigate the mortgage process. Our experienced team of real estate professionals is here to guide you every step of the way, from finding the right property to securing a mortgage that fits your needs. Don’t wait any longer to turn your dream of homeownership into a reality. Contact us now and let’s start this exciting journey together!

#CreditScore101, #MortgageInquiries, #RMFRealtyTeam,

What You Need To Know About Home Price News

17 Wednesday May 2023

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The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales Report tomorrow. The information it contains on home prices may cause some confusion and could even generate some troubling headlines. This all stems from the fact that NAR will report the median sales price, while other home price indices report repeat sales prices. The vast majority of the repeat sales indices show prices are starting to appreciate again. But the median price reported on Thursday may tell a different story. 

Here’s why using the median home price as a gauge of what’s happening with home values isn’t ideal right now. According to the Center for Real Estate Studies at Wichita State University:

“The median sale price measures the ‘middle’ price of homes that sold, meaning that half of the homes sold for a higher price and half sold for less. While this is a good measure of the typical sale price, it is not very useful for measuring home price appreciation because it is affected by the ‘composition’ of homes that have sold.

For example, if more lower-priced homes have sold recently, the median sale price would decline (because the “middle” home is now a lower-priced home), even if the value of each individual home is rising.”

People buy homes based on their monthly mortgage payment, not the price of the house. When mortgage rates go up, they have to buy a less expensive home to keep the monthly expense affordable. More ‘less-expensive’ houses are selling right now, and that’s causing the median price to decline. But that doesn’t mean any single house lost value. 

Even NAR, an organization that reports on median prices, acknowledges there are limitations to what this type of data can show you. NAR explains:

“Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data.”

For clarification, here’s a simple explanation of median value:

  • You have three coins in your pocket. Line them up in ascending value (lowest to highest).
  • If you have one nickel and two dimes, the median value of the coins (the middle one) in your pocket is ten cents.
  • If you have two nickels and one dime, the median value of the coins in your pocket is now five cents.
  • In both cases, a nickel is still worth five cents and a dime is still worth ten cents. The value of each coin didn’t change.

The same thing applies to today’s real estate market.

Bottom Line

Actual home values are going up in most markets. The median value reported tomorrow might tell a different story. For a more in-depth understanding of home price movements, let’s connect.

Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today

02 Tuesday May 2023

Posted by in Buying Myths, Columbia housing market, SC Home Sellers

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Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today

If you’re a South Carolina resident who is considering buying a home, you might be wondering if you should continue renting or if you should buy a home this year? If so, consider this. Rental affordability is still a challenge and has been for years. That’s because, historically, rents trend up over time. Data from the Census shows rents have been climbing pretty steadily since 1988. 

And, data from the latest rental report from Realtor.com shows rents continue to grow today, even though it’s at a slower pace than we saw at the height of the pandemic:

“In March 2023, the U.S. rental market experienced single-digit growth for the eighth month in a row . . . The median asking rent was $1,732,up by $15 from last month and down by $32 from the peak but is still$354 (25.7%) higher than the same time in 2019 (pre-pandemic).”

With South Carolina rents much higher now than they were in more normal, pre-pandemic years, owning your home may be a better option, especially if the long-term trend of rents increasing each year continues. In contrast, South Carolina homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage can lock in a monthly mortgage payment for the duration of their loan (typically 15-30 years). 

Owning a Home Could Be More Affordable if You Need More Space

The graph below uses national data on the median rental payment from Realtor.com and median mortgage payment from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to compare the two options. As the graph shows, depending on how much space you need, it’s typically more affordable to own than to rent if you need two or more bedrooms:

So, if you’re looking to live somewhere where you have two or more bedrooms to accommodate your household, give you more breathing room to spread out your belongings, or dedicate the extra space to practice your hobbies, it might make sense to consider homeownership.

Homeownership Allows You To Start Building Equity

In addition to shielding you from rising rents and being more affordable when you need more space, owning your home also allows you to start building your own equity, which in turn grows your net worth. 

And, as home values typically rise over time and you pay off your mortgage, you build equity. That equity can set you up for success later on because you can use it to help fuel a move to an even bigger space down the line. That’s why, according to Zonda, the top reason millennial homeowners bought their home over the past year was to build their own equity instead of someone else’s.

Bottom Line

If you’re trying to decide whether to buy a home or continue renting, let’s connect to explore your options. With rents rising, it may make more sense to pursue your dream of homeownership.  

Exploring the Factors Behind the Current Housing Market

26 Wednesday Apr 2023

Posted by in Buying Myths, Columbia housing market, Columbia tell me what you think?, Home buying, Home Ownership

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Why Aren’t Home Prices Crashing?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruptions in almost all aspects of our lives, including the housing market. With the ongoing economic uncertainty and rising unemployment rates, many experts expected home prices to plummet. However, to the surprise of many, home prices have not crashed. In fact, the housing market has remained strong, with prices continuing to rise. This begs the question: Why aren’t home prices crashing?

There are several factors behind the current housing market. One of the primary reasons is the low interest rates. The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates to historic lows, making mortgages more affordable. This has incentivized many potential homebuyers to enter the market, driving up demand. However, the low interest rates have also encouraged existing homeowners to refinance their homes, reducing the supply of available homes.

Another factor contributing to the housing market’s resilience is the limited supply of available homes. Before the pandemic, the housing market was already facing a shortage of inventory. With the pandemic slowing down new home construction and many homeowners reluctant to sell their homes, the supply of available homes has further decreased. This has caused a bidding war among potential buyers, resulting in higher home prices.

The pandemic has also led to a change in consumer behavior. With remote work becoming more prevalent, many individuals are no longer tied to specific geographic locations. This has led to increased demand for larger homes with more outdoor space, particularly in suburban and rural areas. As a result, homes in these areas have seen a significant increase in demand and price.

Furthermore, the government’s stimulus packages and unemployment benefits have provided financial support to many households, enabling them to continue making mortgage payments. This has prevented a wave of foreclosures and forced sales that could have led to a crash in home prices.

In conclusion, while the pandemic has caused significant disruptions in almost all aspects of our lives, it has not led to a crash in home prices. The current housing market’s resilience can be attributed to several factors, including low interest rates, limited supply of available homes, changes in consumer behavior, and government support. As we continue to navigate the ongoing economic uncertainty, it will be interesting to see how these factors continue to shape the housing market.

#RealEstateMarket, #HomePrices, #HousingCrisis, #EconomicFactors, #SupplyandDemand, #RMFRealty, #SCRealtor,#SouthCarolina,

The Spring South Carolina Housing Market Forecast

25 Tuesday Apr 2023

Posted by in Buying Myths, SC Home Sellers, South Carolina Living

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As we enter the spring season, many homeowners and prospective buyers in South Carolina are wondering what the real estate market has in store. The state has seen significant growth in recent years, with more people moving to the area for its affordable cost of living, beautiful natural landscapes, and growing job market. So, what does this mean for the South Carolina housing market? We’ve gathered insights from experts in the industry to help provide some clarity.

According to the South Carolina Realtors Association, the statewide median home price rose by nearly 14% from February 2020 to February 2021. This trend is expected to continue into the spring season, with many experts predicting a strong seller’s market.

One factor contributing to this trend is the low inventory of available homes. Many homeowners are holding off on selling due to the pandemic, causing a shortage of homes on the market. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, “Inventory is expected to remain low, with fewer homes for sale this spring compared to years past.”

Houzeo, a leading real estate platform, the South Carolina housing market is experiencing a significant shift. While the median sale price increased by 17.9% year-over-year in September 2022, the number of homes sold dropped by 17.3%. This indicates a trend of higher prices but fewer transactions in the market, likely due to low inventory levels and increased competition among buyers. As the market continues to evolve, it will be important for both buyers and sellers to work closely with experienced real estate professionals to navigate these changing conditions and make the most informed decisions possible.

This shortage of inventory is leading to increased competition among buyers, with bidding wars becoming more common. To navigate this competitive market, experts recommend working with a trusted real estate agent who can help buyers stay informed about new listings and act quickly when the right property becomes available.

Despite the challenges of a competitive market, South Carolina remains an attractive destination for buyers and investors. The state’s growing economy, beautiful natural scenery, and diverse range of communities make it a desirable place to call home.

If you’re curious about the current value of your home in today’s market, contacting the RMF Realty Team at KW Preferred can be a great first step. With their expertise in real estate, they can help provide a thorough evaluation of your property and give you a realistic understanding of its current worth. Whether you’re considering selling your home or just want to stay informed about its value, the RMF Realty Team can offer invaluable insights and guidance throughout the process.

In summary, the South Carolina housing market is expected to remain competitive this spring due to low inventory and high demand. Prospective buyers should work closely with a trusted real estate agent and be prepared to act quickly in order to secure their dream home. With its strong economy and attractive lifestyle, South Carolina remains a popular destination for homebuyers and investors alike.

SouthCarolinaRealEstate, #HousingMarketForecast, #SpringMarketTrends, #RMFRealty, #SCRealtor,

How to Navigate the 2023 Short Sales and Pre-Foreclosure Market

13 Thursday Apr 2023

Posted by in Avoiding Foreclosure, Buying Myths

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Tips for Homebuyers

The real estate market can be complex, and navigating the 2023 short sales and pre-foreclosure market can be especially challenging. Short sales and pre-foreclosures are often an attractive option for homebuyers seeking to purchase a property at a discounted price, but they come with their own unique set of challenges. In this article, we will provide tips and advice to help you successfully navigate the 2023 short sales and pre-foreclosure market.

ShortSales, #PreForeclosures, #RealEstateMarket, #Homebuyers, #RealEstateTips, SCShortsale, #ColumbiaForeclosureRelief, #ColumbiaForeclosureRelease.

Understanding Short Sales and Pre-Foreclosures

Before we dive into the tips for navigating the short sales and pre-foreclosure market, it’s important to understand what these terms mean. A short sale occurs when a homeowner is unable to pay their mortgage and sells their property for less than what they owe on their mortgage. Pre-foreclosure refers to the period of time before a property is foreclosed upon, during which the homeowner may be willing to sell the property to avoid foreclosure.

Tip #1: Work with a Real Estate Agent who Specializes in Short Sales and Pre-Foreclosures

When buying a property that is being sold as a short sale or pre-foreclosure, it’s essential to work with a real estate agent who has experience in these types of transactions. A specialized agent can guide you through the process, help you navigate any challenges, and ensure that you are making an informed decision.

Tip #2: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

If you’re planning to purchase a property through a short sale or pre-foreclosure, it’s crucial to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend and will make the buying process smoother and more efficient.

Tip #3: Do Your Due Diligence

When purchasing a property through a short sale or pre-foreclosure, it’s important to do your due diligence. This includes researching the property’s history, condition, and any liens or encumbrances. You may also want to consider hiring a home inspector to assess the property’s condition.

Tip #4: Be Prepared for a Lengthy Process

Buying a property through a short sale or pre-foreclosure can be a lengthy process. It can take several months or even years for the transaction to be completed, so it’s important to be patient and prepared for a potentially long process.

Tip #5: Be Flexible

When purchasing a property through a short sale or pre-foreclosure, it’s important to be flexible. The seller may be motivated to sell quickly, but there may be delays and unforeseen circumstances that can slow down the process. Being flexible and willing to work with the seller can help make the process smoother and less stressful.

In conclusion, navigating the 2023 short sales and pre-foreclosure market can be challenging, but with the right approach and guidance, it’s possible to successfully purchase a property at a discounted price. Working with a specialized real estate agent, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, doing your due diligence, being prepared for a lengthy process, and being flexible are all important factors to consider when buying a property through a short sale or pre-foreclosure.

Smart Home Buying Strategies for People with Student Debt

12 Wednesday Apr 2023

Posted by in Buying Myths, Home buying, Home Ownership, ibuyers, Rent-vs-Buying

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Strategies for managing debt while still saving for a down payment

For many young homebuyers, student debt is a significant obstacle to homeownership. According to the Federal Reserve, outstanding student loan debt in the United States now exceeds $1.7 trillion, making it the second-largest category of consumer debt after mortgages. But despite this burden, there are smart strategies that young buyers can use to manage their debt while still saving for a down payment.

Strategy 1: Refinance Student Loans

One smart strategy for managing student debt is to refinance your loans. Refinancing involves taking out a new loan with a private lender to pay off your existing loans. By refinancing, you can often lower your interest rate and reduce your monthly payments, which can free up more money to save for a down payment.

Strategy 2: Explore First-Time Homebuyer Programs and KW Homebuyers Experience

Many states and cities offer first-time homebuyer programs that can help buyers with student debt. These programs may offer down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, or other financial incentives. For example, some programs allow you to use your student loan payments as evidence of timely payments for the purpose of qualifying for a mortgage. In addition, signing up for the KW Homebuyers Experience with the RMF Realty Team can also help you navigate the first-time home buying process. This program provides resources and guidance from a team of experienced real estate professionals to help you find the right home and secure the best possible financing.

Strategy 3: Find Creative Ways to Increase Income

If you’re struggling to save for a down payment due to student debt, finding creative ways to increase your income can help. Consider taking on a part-time job, starting a side hustle, or freelancing to earn extra money. You could also look for ways to monetize your hobbies or skills, such as selling your crafts on Etsy or offering your services as a tutor.

Strategy 4: Prioritize Saving for a Down Payment

Saving for a down payment is a critical step in the home buying process, especially for buyers with student debt. To make the most of your savings, consider opening a high-yield savings account or investing in a low-risk mutual fund. You could also automate your savings by setting up a direct deposit from your paycheck to a savings account.

In conclusion, buying a home with student debt can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By refinancing your loans, exploring first-time homebuyer programs, finding creative ways to increase your income, and prioritizing saving for a down payment, you can achieve your dream of homeownership.

#homebuying, #studentdebt, #debtfree, #downpayment, #refinancing, #firsttimehomebuyer, #increasingincome, #KWHomebuyersExperience, #RMFRealtyTeam,

Navigating the Real Estate Market as a First-Time Homebuyer in South Carolina

17 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by in Buying Myths, Columbia housing market, South Carolina Living

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Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. However, with higher mortgage rates and relentless competition in today’s real estate market, it can be challenging for first-time homebuyers to succeed. If you’re a prospective South Carolina first-time homebuyer, here are some tips to help you navigate the market successfully.

  1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial first step in the homebuying process. It will help you understand how much house you can afford and give you a competitive edge in the bidding process. Pre-approval also shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer, increasing your chances of getting your offer accepted.
  2. Work with a Local Real Estate Agent: A local real estate agent can help you navigate the market, understand local market trends, and help you find properties that meet your needs and budget. They can also negotiate on your behalf and help you navigate the bidding process, giving you a competitive edge in a highly competitive market.
  3. Be Flexible: With relentless competition in the real estate market, it’s essential to be flexible. You may have to compromise on your “must-have” list or consider properties in different neighborhoods or towns. Being open to different possibilities will increase your chances of finding a home that meets your needs and budget.
  4. Have Your Finances in Order: With higher mortgage rates, it’s essential to have your finances in order. That means having a good credit score, saving for a down payment, and having enough funds for closing costs and other expenses. Having your finances in order will help you qualify for a mortgage and make a strong offer when you find the right property.
  5. Stay Positive: The real estate market can be challenging, but it’s essential to stay positive. Be patient, be persistent, and don’t get discouraged if your offers get rejected. With the help of a local real estate agent, you’ll find the right property, and your hard work and perseverance will pay off in the end.

Additionally, if you’re a first-time homebuyer in South Carolina, consider joining the Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance group on Facebook. This group provides valuable resources and information about down payment assistance programs and other financial assistance for first-time homebuyers in South Carolina. Joining this group can help you stay informed and increase your chances of qualifying for down payment assistance programs, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. So, join the Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance group today and take the first step towards achieving your dream of homeownership.

In conclusion, buying a home in today’s real estate market can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By getting pre-approved for a mortgage, working with a local real estate agent, being flexible, having your finances in order, and staying positive, you can successfully navigate the market and find the right home for you and your family.

FirstTimeHomebuyer,#SouthCarolinaRealEstate,#HomeBuyingTips,#LocalRealEstateAgent,#FinancialPreparation,#StayPositive,#HomebuyersDownPaymentAsistance,

Flipping Properties in South Carolina: A Guide to Finding the Best Deals

13 Monday Mar 2023

Posted by in Area Homes For Sale, Buying Myths, Columbia housing market

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Flipping properties can be a lucrative business if you know how to find the right properties at the right price. In South Carolina, there are plenty of opportunities to flip properties, but you need to know where to look. Here are some tips on how to find properties to flip in South Carolina.

  1. Check Online Listings: The first step in finding properties to flip is to check online listings. Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com offer listings of properties for sale in South Carolina. You can filter your search by price, location, and other criteria to find properties that fit your budget and requirements.
  2. Attend Auctions: Another way to find properties to flip is to attend auctions. In South Carolina, there are public auctions where foreclosed properties are sold. You can find these auctions by checking the local newspapers or by contacting the county clerk’s office.
  3. Contact Wholesalers: Wholesalers are individuals or companies that specialize in finding properties and selling them to investors at a discount. They often have access to properties that are not listed on the MLS or other public platforms. You can find wholesalers by searching online or by attending local real estate events.
  4. Drive Around: Sometimes, the best way to find properties to flip is to drive around and look for distressed properties. You can identify these properties by looking for signs of neglect, such as overgrown lawns, boarded-up windows, or damaged roofs. Once you’ve identified a potential property, you can contact the owner and inquire about its sale.
  5. Network with Other Investors: Networking with other investors can help you find properties to flip. You can join local real estate groups, attend investor meetups, or connect with other investors on social media. By building relationships with other investors, you can gain access to off-market properties and learn about new opportunities.

In conclusion, finding properties to flip in South Carolina requires a combination of online research, attending auctions, contacting wholesalers, driving around, and networking with other investors. By using these strategies, you can find properties that have the potential for a profitable flip. Remember to do your due diligence, research the local market, and have a solid business plan before making any investment decisions. Good luck!

#SouthCarolinaRealEstate, #PropertyFlipping, #RealEstateInvesting, #HouseFlipping,

Challenges to Homeownership: Understanding the Gap between Aspiration and Reality

06 Monday Mar 2023

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In a recent Harris Poll survey, it was found that 80% of Americans consider buying a home as a priority, and 28 million of them have plans to purchase a home within the next 12 months. It is not surprising considering the various financial and non-financial benefits that come with homeownership.

However, it is highly unlikely that all 28 million Americans will be able to achieve this goal in the coming year. According to experts, the total number of homes projected to be sold in 2023 is around five million. This significant difference is partly due to the various challenges associated with purchasing a home.

The same survey revealed that when asked what is preventing them from pursuing homeownership, 34% of respondents cited a lack of savings for a down payment, while 30% cited their credit score as the reason.

If buying a home is your goal, it is essential to understand these challenges and work towards overcoming them.

Save for Your Down Payment

Your down payment is a big chunk of what you pay up front for your home. For most home purchases, buyers put down some amount of cash up front (a down payment) and then take out a loan (a mortgage) to pay for the rest.

It’s a longstanding myth that you need to pay 20% of the purchase price for your down payment. In reality, 20% down isn’t always required. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), today’s median down payment is 14% for the average buyer and just 6% for a first-time buyer.

Regardless of how much money you can save for your down payment, know there’s help available. A local lender can show you options to help you get closer to your down payment goal. Plus, there are even loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5% for some buyers, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.

Beyond assistance programs and different loan types, here are a few other tips to help you as you save for your down payment:

  • Remember to factor in closing costs. In addition to your down payment, closing costs are usually 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.
  • Maintain your savings. Your down payment shouldn’t deplete all your savings. It’s important to still have some money set aside for homeownership expenses after you move in.
  • Explore your options and lean on your trusted advisor for expert guidance. Do your research, ask questions, and look into the resources available for buyers like you.

Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a number that indicates how financially reliable you are to lenders. A higher credit score usually means you’ll be able to borrow more money at a better interest rate. If your credit score is preventing you from getting an affordable mortgage, there are steps you can take to improve it. Here are two:

  • Pay your bills on time. When you pay your bills on time, your credit score improves. When you’re late, it takes a hit. One way to make paying your bills on time easier? Set up automatic payments when and where you can.
  • Mix it up. From auto loans, to credit cards, to mortgages – there are several different types of credit. And having a mix of them improves your credit score.

Bottom Line

If you want to purchase a home this year, let’s connect so we can start preparing.