How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying
Even a 20–40 point improvement can lower your interest rate and improve your loan options.
Fastest, Most Impactful Steps (30–90 Days)
Pay Every Bill On Time (35% of your score)
Set up autopay and never miss a payment.
Reduce Credit Utilization (30% of your score)
Keep balances below 30% of your credit limits (ideally under 10%). Pay down balances before statement closing dates.
Don't Close Old Accounts (15% of your score)
Length of credit history matters. Keep old cards open if there's no annual fee.
Limit New Credit Applications (10% of your score)
Avoid new credit cards or loans in the 6–12 months before applying for a mortgage.
Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
Get your free reports weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any inaccuracies.
What to Avoid Before Applying
- Making large purchases on credit right before closing
- Co-signing loans for others
- Closing old credit card accounts
- Applying for new credit during the mortgage process
We Review Your Credit With You
When you work with me, we pull your credit early and go through it together so there are no surprises.
Let's review your credit and create an action plan.
Aaron Bath — Senior Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS #2110744 (561) 677-2340 | [email protected] 110 Front Street, Suite 300, Jupiter, FL 33477 www.cfgcloans.com
This guide is for educational purposes only. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #2547138.
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Written by
Aaron Bath
Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator at Capital Financial Group Corporation (NMLS #2547138), serving homebuyers and investors across Florida, Alabama, Colorado, Ohio, and Tennessee.