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Understanding & Building Your Credit: Trusted Tools & Tips for Mortgage Readiness
Did you know your credit history is one of the biggest factors in qualifying for a mortgage? Strong credit doesn’t just improve your chances of approval — it can also help you secure lower rates and long-term savings on your home loan.
Here’s the good news: building credit doesn’t require perfection. With the right tools and consistent habits, you can take control of your credit health and feel more confident when it’s time to buy a home.
Two Trusted Resources to Check Your Credit
Monitoring your credit is the first step toward financial readiness. Here are two reliable ways to stay informed:
AnnualCreditReport.com
This is the only federally authorized site where you can request a free credit report from each bureau — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once every 12 months. Think of it as your credit “transcript.” While it doesn’t include your scores unless you upgrade, it’s the safest and most accurate way to check your history for errors or inconsistencies.
MyFICO.com
If you want to see the same scores most lenders rely on, MyFICO provides 24/7 access to your true FICO scores. With a subscription, you’ll also get insights to track progress over time and understand how certain actions impact your score.
By using these tools together, you’ll get both the big picture and the detailed metrics that matter most when preparing for a mortgage.
Quick Credit Tips That Make a Big Difference
Credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you’re using — makes up a large portion of your score. A healthy target is 5–15% of your total limit. For example, if you have a $10,000 limit, try to keep your balance between $500 and $1,500.
A responsible family member’s credit card account can help you build history faster. If they have a strong track record with low balances and on-time payments, being added as an authorized user may improve your profile.
If you’re resolving a collection account, request that the collector delete it once it’s paid. A “paid” status is better than “unpaid,” but full deletion is the strongest outcome.
Whenever possible, pay debts in full. “Settled for less” often appears as a derogatory mark, which can weigh down your score more than you might expect.
Disputing an error can be worthwhile, but keep in mind that it may temporarily freeze your account. This could delay your mortgage approval, so only file a dispute if there’s a clear mistake or if the debt has already been resolved.
Remember, credit building is not about perfection — it’s about progress. Small, steady improvements add up over time, unlocking bigger opportunities tomorrow. Paying on time, keeping balances low, and using the right monitoring tools can all help you build the kind of credit that opens doors to homeownership.
How Regent Mortgage Can Help
At Regent Mortgage, we understand that every homebuyer’s journey is unique. Whether you’re just starting to build credit or you’re preparing to apply for your first mortgage, our team is here to guide you through each step.
We offer:
- Personalized support to review your financial readiness.
- A variety of mortgage options tailored to your goals.
- Local decision-making with a focus on helping you succeed.
Our goal is to make the path to homeownership clear, achievable, and stress-free — no matter where you’re starting from.
ake the next step toward homeownership with confidence. Learn more about Regent’s mortgage options and discover how our team can help turn your homeownership goals into reality.
Regent Bank is Member FDIC and Equal House Lender.
Resources and strategies are common recommended practices; however, they may not work the same for everyone. For additional information about your personal credit, please contact Regent Bank Mortgage.
