How to Make Sure Your Credit Score Will Help and Not Hurt You When Buying a Home

Here are some of the best ways to improve your credit score:

1. Pay your bills on time. This is the most important factor in determining your credit score. Make sure to pay all of your bills on time, including your credit card bills, car loan payments, and mortgage payments.
2. Keep your credit utilization low. Credit utilization is the amount of debt you have compared to your total available credit. Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30%.
3. Have a long credit history. The length of your credit history is another important factor in determining your credit score. The longer you have had credit accounts open, the better your credit score will be.
4. Get a mix of credit accounts. Having a mix of different types of credit accounts, such as credit cards, installment loans, and lines of credit, can help improve your credit score.
5. Avoid applying for too much new credit. Applying for new credit can cause a temporary dip in your credit score. Avoid applying for new credit unless you absolutely need it.
6. Dispute any errors on your credit report. If you find any errors on your credit report, dispute them immediately. This can help improve your credit score.
7. Get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year. You can get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your credit report for any errors and dispute any that you find.

By following these tips, you can improve your credit score and get approved for loans and other forms of credit at better rates.