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
December 6, 2019 - Is 2020 the year you have a house built on your own lot with a loan 3.5% down payment? If you are a qualified veteran, that down payment amount is 0% to build on your own land as long as the appraised value matches or is higher than the asking price.
December 4, 2019 - In a recent article we discussed issues that can delay the approval or closing date of your FHA home loan. Do you know what these potential problems are? In Part One we discussed how bankruptcy, foreclosure, and appraisal problems may affect your mortgage loan.
December 3, 2019 - When applying for an FHA home loan, there are issues that can slow down the progress of your mortgage, whether you are applying for a mobile home loan or an FHA One-Time Close Construction Loan. Some may be preventable in the planning stages of your loan.
December 2, 2019 - Your FHA loan options in 2020 include new purchase loans, reverse mortgages, cash-out FHA refinance loans, and the One-Time Close construction loan if you want a house built for you. But planning ahead is key and you will need to examine and work on the amount of debt you carry
November 29, 2019 - If you are applying for a refinance loan that requires a credit check, make sure you have made all payments on time for your mortgage and all other financial obligations. You'll benefit greatly if this is true for a minimum of 12 months ahead of your loan application.
