FHA Loan Tips for Improving Credit
Track Your Credit Score and Stay on Top of Problems
While FHA loans are known as a great service for people looking for help buying a house, applicants can make the process even easier if they take steps toward ensuring their credit history is in tip-top shape. The agency advises prospective home buyers to approach FHA loans with their best possible credit history to eliminate any potential risk of not qualifying.
Whether you're looking for a loan to mortgage a new house or to refinance a house you already own, it makes the most sense open up all your options with an optimal credit rating. The FHA recommends having a satisfactory payment history of at least one year before applying for a loan.
Credit Tips for Your FHA Loan
Here are some tips to help you on your way:
- Take a Close Look at Your Credit Reports
You don't know what could be hurting your credit score unless you actually check. Get your credit reports from the three national credit bureaus--Experian, Equifax and TransUnion--at no cost and comb them over for anything suspicious or questionable. - Dispute Inaccuracies
If you find errors on your credit report, notify the reporting bureau in writing so you have a record. Provide any additional records or evidence you have to support your dispute. - Find Professional Help
The FHA recommends applicants with credit problems get help from a Consumer Credit Counseling program. A credit counselor can help you get back on track. - Bankruptcy / Foreclosure
If you've suffered from a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past few years, you might still be able to qualify for an FHA loan. Develop a satisfactory payment history, re-establish good credit and meet the other FHA requirements.
While your credit history is just one of the many factors that make up your eligibility for an FHA loan, it is no doubt one of the most important. Having a higher score not only helps you qualify, you can also benefit from the low 3.5 percent down payment on mortgage loans available to applicants with a FICO score over 580. FHA approved lenders don't take your credit history lightly, and neither should you.
Credit Scores for FHA Loans
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
September 13, 2021 - FHA Cash-Out loans can be used for refinancing non-FHA mortgages as well as existing FHA loans. The proceeds from this cash-out refinance can be used for any purpose including paying off credit card debt, making home improvements, and even paying for luxury items like cars or boats.
September 11, 2021 - What does your loan officer need to do in order to determine whether to approve or deny your mortgage loan? It's not just your credit score, although that plays a very important part in the process. Your free credit reports contain much more information than just FICO score numbers.
September 8, 2021 - Are you thinking about becoming a first-time home buyer? Owning a home means taking some big steps, and there are mistakes to avoid as you enter into the process of planning, saving up for your down payment and other expenses, and applying for a loan to purchase a new home.
September 5, 2021 - Some refinance loans are specifically to get a better deal. But others need to refinance to help avoid further hurting their credit scores or going into loan default because of missed payments. A borrower who gets behind on the old loan can catch up with the new loan, but time may be of the essence.
September 2, 2021 - Are you about being a truly ready borrower? If you are considering a home loan application is is a great idea to start working on credit and related home loan issues early--long before talking to a broker or mortgage lender.
