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.
Helpful Advice - Credit Scores and Loans
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
March 20, 2019 - The home loan is a major investment, and lenders are required to exercise due diligence in making sure the borrower’s financial data is accurate and meets home loan approval standards. Reviewing your tax returns shows the lender the exact nature of income and employment.
March 18, 2019 - Borrowers who receive disability payments may want to have those payments considered for real estate loan approval, but what is the FHA standard in this area? If your disability income has no expiration date you may be in a good position to have that income considered for your mortgage.
March 14, 2019 - House hunters, real estate agents, first-time home buyers, and many others have questions about FHA home loans. Some of the answers to these questions are complex and require quotes from the FHA home loan rulebook, HUD 4000.1.
March 13, 2019 - First-time home buyers might not be used to thinking long term about buying, owning, and selling or refinancing real estate, but it’s a very good idea to consider your options long-term when planning to buy your first home.
March 12, 2019 - Believe it or not, FHA loan rules require the lender to consider each of these circumstances individually to determine whether past credit problems were due to circumstances beyond the borrower’s control or if they were caused by being a bad credit risk.
FHA.com Reviews
FHA.com is a one-stop resource for homebuyers who want to make the best decisions when it comes to their mortgage. With our detailed, mobile-friendly site, individuals can access information about different FHA products, the latest loan limits, and numerous other resources to make their homebuying experience easier. Take a look at some of the reviews from other FHA.com visitors!
