Your credit score is one of the factors lenders use to approve a mortgage and set your rate and fees — so a higher score can make borrowing easier and cheaper. Some credit inquiries can lower your score, so here's how to keep it as high as possible while you apply.
A little awareness goes a long way. Keep these three things in mind from the moment you start thinking about a mortgage — it's a key part of getting your finances in order early in the home-buying process.
Not every credit check is created equal. The key difference is whether the check is just for information or part of a lending decision.
Avoid anything that could reduce your credit score while you're securing a mortgage — a lower score could mean a higher interest rate, or even the loss of final approval.
In practice, that usually means delaying significant credit purchases like new furniture or appliances. Applying for a consumer loan or a new credit card will trigger a hard inquiry, and substantially increasing the balance on your existing cards could lower your score too. Opening new credit before closing is one of the more common costly mistakes buyers make — so when in doubt before closing, ask first.
Shopping around for the best rate and terms is smart — and it shouldn't hurt your credit score, as long as you make all your applications in a short window.
Aim to submit your mortgage applications within about 45 days. Credit bureaus recognize this as "rate shopping" and typically group several mortgage-related hard inquiries together, reporting them as a single inquiry.
Not sure who to apply with? It helps to understand how the different types of mortgage providers compare before you start.
From connecting you with trusted local lenders to timing your applications and gathering the documents you'll need at application, I'll help you walk into the mortgage process with your credit in its best possible shape. Let's connect — no pressure, no obligation.
A soft credit check is done for informational purposes only and doesn't affect your score — for example, checking your own credit. A hard inquiry is made for lending purposes, such as applying for a credit card, and can lower your score by a few points. Hard inquiries require your permission and stay on your report for two years.
It shouldn't, as long as you make all your applications within a short window — aim for less than 45 days. The credit bureaus recognize this as rate shopping and typically group several mortgage-related hard inquiries together, reporting them as a single inquiry.
Avoid anything that could lower your score while you're securing a mortgage, since a lower score can mean a higher interest rate or even loss of final approval. That usually means delaying big credit purchases like furniture or appliances, not applying for new loans or credit cards, and not substantially increasing balances on your existing cards.
Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for two years. You must grant permission before any hard inquiry is made.
Whether you're still saving toward a down payment or ready now, a quick conversation can help you protect your score and step into the process with confidence — at your pace, with no pressure.