When it comes to getting a mortgage, credit scores are paramount. Generally, a score of 750 or higher is considered excellent. Want to raise your credit score? Start by taking the following steps advised by Kiplinger. Pay your bills on time The most influential factor in your credit score is your payment history, so it’s…
Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time home buyer, be prepared to know your FICO score and have a firm understanding of your credit history. Here, Zillow explains how another person’s credit history can affect a joint home purchase. What is a FICO score? FICO stands for the Fair Isaac Corporation, the company that developed the…
Just because lender lets you borrow the maximum possible amount on a mortgage, that doesn’t mean you should take them up on the offer. Wondering how much of your monthly income to comfortably spend on your home? Trulia shows how to crunch your own numbers first to determine how much mortgage you can afford. Calculate your…
Competition among buyers in many markets has gotten intense, so if you’re serious about homeownership, you’d better get your act together. To point you in the right direction, Realtor.com has prepared a road map of the typical steps you need to be aware of during the home-buying process. 1. Choose an agent The first step in the home-buying…