Identify and Fix Credit Report Errors
Things to Do Before Applying for an FHA Loan
When the Federal Housing Administration announced rule changes to help strengthen finances and protect against risk, one of the biggest changes was requiring a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for the attractive 3.5 percent down payment on mortgage loans.
Know Your FICO Score
Applicants who fall below the 580 score will have to put down a 10 percent down payment in order to qualify for an FHA mortgage loan. For many applicants hovering just below that threshold, this policy change may serve as a great opportunity to take close look at their credit report and improve it.
The FICO score is actually comprised of your credit scores from the three national credit bureaus--Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. If your FICO score is just below the FHA limit, you should take the proper steps to check your credit report with the three agencies.
How to Check Your Credit Report
There are many ways people can check their credit scores. There are many online resources for people wishing to identify where they stand with lenders. Once you've gotten your report from the three bureaus, carefully examine your credit history for anything out of the ordinary, such as unauthorized loans taken out in your name, incorrect late payment records or anything that seems questionable, no matter how minor you think it is.
While your credit reports and credit score are what lenders use to judge your reliability in paying back loans, errors in your reports can happen. Make sure they aren't hindering you and your life's plans.
Correct Errors as Soon as Possible
The longer you wait to correct your credit history, the more potential damage errors can do. Prevention is key, so if you don't use a credit monitoring service, you should consider one. If you do find any errors, send a letter to the bureau that reported it and clarify with them why you think it is incorrect. Be sure to provide proof and any other documentation that will help your claim.
If you're already in the process of applying for an FHA loan, notify your lender of your dispute with your credit report as well because your credit score indicates your creditworthiness. It never makes sense to suffer at disadvantages that were the result of something you didn't do.
Credit Scores for FHA Loans
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
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.
August 31, 2021 - Thinking about buying or building a home? If you need a home loan, your credit report and credit score are important issues when it comes to home loan approval. If you aren’t working on your credit, you may not be ready for the loan when the time is right.
