Buyer education

Six moves.
One stronger credit profile.

Your credit profile is one of the biggest levers you control before applying. These six moves, done in the right order, raise your score, widen your program options, and strengthen your position - none require a hard inquiry.

The six moves

Move 1

Pay revolving balances below 30% usage

Utilization is the second-biggest FICO factor. Getting each card below 30%, ideally below 10%, can lift your score within one billing cycle.

Utilization = 30% of your score

Move 2

Dispute errors on all 3 bureau reports

Pull your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts that are not yours or wrong balances, and dispute through each bureau's portal.

Errors on one bureau do not auto-fix the others

Move 3

Do not close old accounts

Closing an old card removes available credit and shortens your average account age. Keep old cards open and use them lightly.

Age of accounts = 15% of your score

Move 4

Go quiet on new credit

Every new credit application creates a hard inquiry and shortens your average age. Avoid opening anything new in the 6-12 months before applying.

New credit = 10% of your score

Move 5

Automate on-time payments

Payment history is the single biggest FICO factor. Set up autopay for the minimum on every account, then pay the full balance separately.

Payment history = 35% of your score

Move 6

Get a soft-pull review with us first

A soft-pull review lets us see your full profile with zero score impact. We identify the highest-value moves for your specific file.

Zero score impact, full picture

What actually moves your score

The six moves above map directly onto these five FICO factors - the heavier the weight, the more it is worth your focus.

35%

Payment history

On-time payments are the most powerful single factor.

30%

Utilization

Keep balances low relative to limits.

15%

Age of accounts

Longer history helps - do not close old cards.

10%

Credit mix

A blend of revolving and installment accounts is healthy.

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Scan the code or reach out. We pull your full profile with zero score impact and tell you exactly what to focus on for your target purchase timeline.

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Equal Housing Opportunity. {{lo.company}}, NMLS #{{lo.nmls}} (Company NMLS #{{compliance.companyNmls}}). This material is educational only and is not a commitment to lend, an offer of credit, or a fee quote; all loans are subject to underwriting approval. FICO score factor weights shown are general industry-standard approximations for educational purposes; actual score calculations depend on the individual's full credit profile and the scoring model used by each lender. This co-marketed material is shared by each party at its fair-market-value cost consistent with RESPA Section 8; no party pays for referrals and none are required.