Buying your first home is exciting, but the credit side of the transaction moves faster than most buyers expect. A little preparation removes stress at closing.
Know your middle score
Mortgage lenders pull all three bureaus and use the middle score of the three, not the average and not the highest.
Understand DTI vs. credit
Debt-to-income ratio is separate from credit score, but underwriters look at both. Paying down a card can help both.
Don't shop for new credit
Auto loans, furniture financing, and new cards during the mortgage process can retrigger underwriting or blow the ratio.
Ask about loan types
FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans each have different credit minimums. A consultation can help you understand which programs your current profile supports.
