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UNDERSTANDING CREDIT

Credit can be complex, but understanding it can play a big role in becoming a successful homeowner. We are committed to providing you with the resources and guidance you need to better understand this important piece of homeownership.
Credit Scores and Credit Reporting
Credit certainly plays a big role in the homebuying process. However, a strong credit profile means more than a loan approval. And credit challenges don’t necessarily mean you will never qualify for a home. Building good credit not only means qualifying for a loan, it can also mean lower interest rates, more purchasing power and better financing options, helping you save money and build a financial future. Who wouldn’t want that?
 
So what is credit scoring? This is a system creditors use to help determine whether it’s a good idea to give you a loan or credit. Don't worry if your personal credit scores differ from your mortgage scores. It's common due to the different scoring models used. Focus on maintaining good credit habits overall. Credit scoring can also be used to help decide the terms or rate you are offered.
 
How is your score determined? Information about you and your credit experiences, like your bill-paying history, the number and type of accounts you have, whether you pay your bills by the date they’re due, amount of outstanding debt, for example, is collected from your credit report. Using a statistical program, your information is compared to the loan repayment history of other consumers with similar profiles. For example, a credit scoring system awards points for each factor that helps predict who is most likely to repay a debt. A total number of points — a credit score — helps predict how likely it is that you will repay a loan and make the payments on time. This is also known as your creditworthiness.
 
Is your credit report as important as your credit score? Yes! Your credit report is a key part of many credit scoring systems. That’s why it is critical to make sure your credit report is accurate. Federal law gives you the right to get a free copy of your credit reports from each of the three national credit reporting companies once every 12 months. Make sure you are checking it! Keep in mind that a credit report and a credit score are two different things. Credit reporting agencies are allowed to charge you a reasonable fee for your credit score, but when you buy your score, you often get information on how you can improve it. That’s helpful! For more information about requesting your credit report and score visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
 
Are you ready to buy a home, but need help improving your credit profile first? Contact your Mortgage Loan Originator or visit our DHI Mortgage Home Buyers Club page. We offer services to help you get on the path to successful homeownership!
 
Payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix all provide a certain percentage of your credit score. How do the various factors add up? See how they weigh each element, and watch an informative video in this article from myFICO.com
Are you hoping to buy a home in the next few years? If so, your credit profile matters, and the sooner you get it healthy, the better! A higher credit score could mean more loan program options and potentially lower interest rates. Check out these credit tips that can help you prepare for successful homeownership.
Here are a few tips and examples of what to do - and not do - to improve your credit profile right now. Your DHI Mortgage Home Buyers Club ® Credit Consultant can help you adapt these do's and don'ts, and many more, for your specific financial situation.
Who decides what constitutes good credit? What are the consequences of bad credit? Find out the answers to these questions and learn what you can do to improve your credit.  
You may already have good credit. But the smallest improvement in your credit profile could result in lower interest rates and more financing offers. In other words, good credit can get you approved; excellent credit can get you a more attractive mortgage option. Find out how the DHI Mortgage Home Buyers Club® can help.   
The common retail payment option to "Pay in four interest-free installments" is known as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). While it may seem harmless, there can be an impact if it is used while applying for a mortgage. Find out how BNPL can affect your mortgage loan application.