Why you shouldn’t be solely focused on credit when it comes to getting a mortgage

For you to successfully purchase a home or refinance a home, you’ll want to pay attention to your overall financial picture. Each mortgage lender requires a blend of healthy credit, manageable debt, and income as a basis for support for the whole picture. The following are some of the things to consider when it comes to getting mortgage financing and you’re concerned about your credit…

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender must pull a copy of their own credit report. Credit reports are not transferable from one creditor to another. Moreover. The credit reporting service you are using for free or your credit card company is not the best barometer of what your credit score is. That would be annualcreditreport.com where you can get a complimentary copy of your credit report each year.

One of the things many possible mortgage applicants are concerned about is the thought process that pulling credit for a mortgage automatically tanks their credit score drop, which is not specifically accurate. The federal government wants consumers to shop for mortgages and as a by-product, you are not penalized when it comes to pulling credit for a mortgage if that timeframe is within 30 days. Even if your credit score drops a little bit depending on where your credit score falls that does not preclude you from getting mortgage financing contrary to what you might read or see on the internet.

Generally speaking… If your credit score is over 700. You really need not worry about your credit score dropping as a byproduct of trying to secure mortgage financing. A 700 credit score versus a 740 credit score really doesn’t change the cost picture on most loans.

Here’s what typically happens consumers get fixated on what they think their credit score is based on their credit card company or on their free credit reporting company tells them failing to realize that those are only one bureau. Lenders look at all three bureaus Equifax TransUnion and Experian, not just one. So right out of the gate. It’s not apples and apples. Secondarily, what a lot of consumers don’t typically realize is maintain high utilization credit can change this.  High credit card balances can very easily change one’s credit score. If you perceived your credit score to the X and ends up being y it’s probably because of high utilization of credit is presently occurring.

In most situations, it is almost always never an apples-to-apples comparison between what their credit score you think you have is and what the mortgage companies is. The best rule of thumb is if you’re looking to purchase a house, you must surrender and let the lender pull a copy of your credit report then look at your income, your debts and your overall structure of your loan. Don’t get so wrapped around the axle about them pulling a copy of your credit report for fear that your credit score is automatically going to go down when there is a ton of other factors that come into play such as the age of credit, payment history station of credit, what types of credit, Etc. A wonderful resource that provides free credit information is myfico.com where you can download a complimentary copy of the most accurate credit score booklet available that provides tangible information if you’re really concerned about your credit.

If you are looking for a mortgage? Start with a no-cost quote today!

 

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When buying a home, it’s natural to want the lowest mortgage rate possible. But sometimes, chasing a slightly better rate from another lender—especially after your offer has already been accepted—can backfire in a big way. Let’s walk through a real-world scenario. You’ve got an offer accepted on a house. You’re working with a lender who has you approved, documents in underwriting, and a 21-day close of escrow in place. Everything is moving forward. Then you hear from another lender offering a rate that’s 0.25% lower, with slightly better closing costs. It’s tempting. But before you make a jump, here’s what you need to consider. Switching Lenders Comes with Time Costs When you pivot to a new lender mid-contract, they’ll need to: Re-underwrite your entire loan, Order a new appraisal, Disclose and sign new loan documents, Submit the file for final loan approval, Schedule and fund closing—all over again. This doesn’t happen overnight. Even in ideal circumstances, the new lender is likely going to need at least 25–30 days to close. If you’re in a fast-moving or competitive market, this is a real problem. Most sellers won’t grant a contract extension just because you’re switching lenders. So, what happens next? A Contract Extension Can Jeopardize Your Deal Asking for a contract extension means the seller must agree to delay closing. But that delay introduces risk—especially if the seller has backup offers or simply wants certainty. They may not grant the extension. Or worse, they could cancel the deal outright and take another buyer’s offer. Even if the seller agrees to extend, your earnest money and negotiation power could take a hit. And for what? A slightly lower rate that might save you $50 to $75 a month? Mortgage Rates Aren’t as Far Apart as You Think Here’s the truth: all mortgage lenders get their money from the same place—the bond market. The pricing differences between lenders usually range from 0.125% to 0.25% in rate on any given day. If one lender seems to be offering dramatically better pricing, the first thing you should ask is: How? Head over to FreddieMac.com and check the average 30-year fixed rate posted weekly. This is one of the most reliable benchmarks for where rates truly stand in the market. If a lender is quoting you a rate that’s well below that average, ask for the details: Are they charging extra points? Is this a teaser rate with a prepayment penalty? Is it based on a different loan product or risky structure? Often, what sounds “too good to be true”… is. Consider the Bigger Picture Think long-term. If you’re financing $600,000, a 0.25% lower rate may reduce your payment by roughly $75/month. But what if you lose the house and have to start over? That monthly savings doesn’t mean much if you’re outbid on your dream home or lose your deposit. Also, remember: you’re not going to keep this rate forever. Today’s homebuyers typically refinance when rates drop by about 0.75% or more. So if rates fall within the next year or two, you’ll likely be refinancing anyway. Instead of paying extra points now or risking the entire deal for a minor monthly savings, it may be better to accept a slightly higher rate—knowing you’ll refinance when the time is right. The Real Risk Isn’t the Rate—It’s the Delay When shopping for a home loan, don’t just ask, “What’s your rate?” Ask: Can you close on time? Is this rate sustainable or based on hidden costs? Will switching lenders delay or jeopardize my contract? A home purchase contract is a binding agreement between you and the seller to perform within a set timeframe. If you can’t meet those dates because you're chasing a slightly better rate elsewhere, you may want to reconsider if now is the right time to buy. Final Thoughts Yes, interest rates matter. But execution matters more. Before making a switch mid-transaction, talk to your lender. Have an honest conversation about pricing, timelines, and strategy. You might find that staying the course, securing the house, and planning to refinance later offers a better path to financial security. Want to Know Your Options? Let’s compare rates and strategies the smart way—without risking your dream home. 👉 Click here to get a custom rate quote today.

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