Here’s how much more expensive your mortgage will be due to bad credit

Here’s how much more expensive your mortgage will be due to bad credit

If you’re thinking about getting mortgage loan financing one of the most important things you can do to keep your mortgage costs low and affordable is to maintain a high and healthy credit score. Here’s what you should know when it comes to getting a mortgage with the credit score that you have…

Your credit score is the best barometer of how responsible you are. They want to know does this person have the character, desire and motivation to responsibly make their mortgage payment? If you had credit payment lates here in there in the past, past due balances, and a pattern of financial irregularity that could spell trouble for getting a mortgage. In return that lender charges you an extra premium for the extra risk that they perceive you represent to them based on your payment history.

Let’s use an example $400,000 on a 30-year fixed-rate:

620 credit score 5% interest rate you’ll pay $373,023 over the total term of the loan

660 credit score 4.625% interest rate you’ll pay $340,360 over the total term of the loan

680 credit score 4.375% interest rate you’ll pay $318,970 over the total term of the loan

700 credit score 4.125% interest rate you’ll pay $297,875 in interest over the total term of the loan

740 or higher credit score 3.875% interest rate you’ll pay $277,141 over the total term of the loan.

The above is not an offering of credit, but rather an illustration of the possible relationship your credit score would translate to in cost expressed over the term of the loan.

For a little over 100 points in credit score that’s an extra interest expense of nearly $96,000 over the term of 360 months on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. This compares the loan cost with a 740 score vs. a 620 score. That’s incredibly expensive spread.

If you have an issue with a creditor, if something is not right between you and a financial services arrangement don’t just stop paying and let the account go to a derogatory status, resolve it and even if it means you having to take it in the shorts and here’s why…

Your future home loan could end up costing you significantly more money than just paying the $20 Macy’s bill for example.

These are some things to think about when determining whether you should get a loan.

  • Pay off your credit cards in full every single month. All the financial experts out there that tell you to carry debt, they’re wrong, carrying debt hurts you for getting a mortgage because it counts against your debt to income ratio. Always consider the source.
  • Pay all your bills on time or early
  • Don’t let any of your previous debts go to collections
  • Don’t just refuse to pay a bill and let the balance grow and accumulate with penalties and interest

If you’re not in a financial position to use the credit cards and pay them off in full each month work towards keeping your credit card balances to no more than 25% of the total allowable limit. That means if you have a credit card for $1,000 you don’t want the balance to ever be more than $250 ever on that one account.

Moral of the story? Follow the golden rule. He who has the money makes the rules. This means the creditors make rules and following the rules and making good financial decision will yield you a low rate low payment home mortgage.

Looking to get a mortgage? Get a no cost quote now.

RELATED MORTGAGE ADVICE FROM SCOTT SHELDON

A modern two-story suburban home with blue-gray siding and white trim is shown at sunset, framed by a calm sky and soft lighting. Bold navy blue text over the image reads, “Here’s a Better Way to Think About It,” making it a visually inviting blog post header about real estate strategy.

Thinking of Lowballing Because the House Needs Work? Here’s the Reality.

Here’s a Better Way to Think About It If the home just hit the market—say…

Illustration of an orange two-story house next to a green dollar sign, a blue calculator, and stacked coins, with bold text above reading “Income is the key to home affordability,” symbolizing the role of income in determining home buying power.

Why Income Drives Buying Power More Than Credit or Cash

When it comes to buying a home, most people focus on credit scores and down…

Veteran couple discussing home appraisal with real estate agent

Understanding the VA Tidewater Initiative for Homebuyers and Refinancers

The VA Tidewater Initiative is a unique safeguard within the VA loan appraisal process, designed…

Single-story beige suburban home in Sonoma County with a 'For Sale' sign in the front yard, neatly landscaped lawn and bushes, under a clear blue sky

Why days on market (DOM) matters for Sonoma County home buyers

If you’re on the hunt for a home in Sonoma County, you might have noticed…

View More from The Mortgage Files:

begin your mortgage journey with sonoma county mortgages

Let us make your mortgage experience easy. Trust our expertise to get you your best mortgage rate. Click below to start turning your home dreams into reality today!