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Mortgage Loans After Bankruptcy - Ways To Boost Your Fico Score
By: Carrie Reeder iSnare Expert Author
After a bankruptcy is discharged, many lenders will offer you a home loan. In
most cases, these lenders do not require new lines of credit or a high credit
rating. Buying a home with good or fair credit has its advantages. These
individuals likely obtain better mortgage rates and qualify for a range of home
loans. Here are a few tips on ways to raise your credit score before applying
for a mortgage.
Pay Creditors on Time
The habit you adopt for paying creditors can have a negative or positive effect
on your credit report. If bills are regularly paid on time, your score will
soar. Yet, paying a bill one day late may decrease your credit score by as much
as 10 points.
If possible, pay bills a couple of days before the due date. Waiting until the
due date to pay credit card bills will not have a negative effect on your score
however, you may gain a few extra points with early payments.
Maintain Low Credit Card Balances
Following a bankruptcy, it is essential to open a new line of credit. This can
be in the form of a credit card, gas card, retail store card, etc. If applying
for a new credit card, avoid high balances. Ideally, consumers should keep
credit cards at approximately 25% of the limit. Keeping a large balance will
lower your credit score.
Stay Away from Credit Inquiries
Although credit inquiries are inevitable, especially when trying to re-establish
credit, avoid applying for too many credit accounts. Many consumers are unaware
of the damaging effects of inquiries. However, one inquiry can lower your credit
score by 10 to 12 points. Because credit scores are already low following a
bankruptcy, it is very important to keep inquiries to a minimum.
Carefully Monitor Credit Report
When attempting to boost your credit score, regular credit report monitoring is
important. Homebuyers hoping to get approved for a prime rate mortgage will need
a credit score of at least 680. After a bankruptcy, it will take time to achieve
a high credit rating. However, if you take immediate steps to boost your score,
it may be possible to get approved for a low rate mortgage within 24 months.
About the Author:
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