Prepare to Apply for a Mortgage with These Smart Credit Tips
- The GURU
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Thinking about buying a home? One of the most important steps before applying for a mortgage is getting your credit in order. Your credit history doesn’t just affect whether you’ll be approved—it also influences your interest rate, loan amount, and overall terms.
The good news? With a little planning, you can start preparing your credit 30 to 90 days before a lender pulls your report and set yourself up for success.
Here are four key credit strategies to tackle before you apply for a mortgage:
1. Review Your Credit Reports and Dispute Any Errors is a great credit tip
Start by pulling your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The easiest way to access all three for free is at AnnualCreditReport.com. Previously, reports were only available once a year, but now you can check them weekly at no cost.
As you review your reports, look out for:
Accounts you don’t recognize
Incorrect late payments
Duplicate listings
Outdated personal information
If you spot any errors, don’t ignore them—dispute them right away. Even small inaccuracies can lower your credit score or delay your mortgage approval. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers resources on how to file disputes effectively.
Pro tip: Accessing your own report is a soft inquiry, so it won’t impact your credit score.
2. Pay Down High Credit Card Balances
Your credit utilization ratio—the percentage of your available credit you’re using—is one of the biggest factors in your credit score. High balances can hurt your score, even if you make payments on time.
To improve your score, aim to keep your utilization below 20–25% on each card.
Example: If your card limit is $5,000 and you’re carrying a $1,700 balance, try to bring that down to $1,000 or less.
You don’t need to zero out your balances or close your accounts. In fact, keeping old accounts open with low balances helps your credit profile. If you can’t pay it all off at once, set a repayment plan and stick to it. A loan officer can help you evaluate how your current balances may affect your home loan options.
3. Opt Out of Unwanted Credit Offers
Pre-approved credit card and loan offers often come from companies that have reviewed your credit file. While legal, they can be annoying—and potentially risky.
To reduce unsolicited offers, you can:
Visit OptOutPrescreen.com to stop prescreened credit and insurance mail offers.
Register your number at DoNotCall.gov to cut down on telemarketing calls.
While these tools won’t block every single message—especially from nonprofits or companies you’ve worked with—they can help declutter your mailbox and protect your information.
4. Lift Any Credit Freezes or Locks
If you’ve added a credit freeze or lock to your file (common for identity protection), make sure to lift it temporarily before applying for a mortgage.
A freeze prevents lenders from accessing your credit, which can delay the loan approval process. You’ll need to contact each bureau individually to remove or lift the freeze for a set timeframe or for a specific lender.
Final Thoughts: Credit Prep Today = Mortgage Success Tomorrow
Getting your credit ready doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require a little proactive effort. These simple steps—reviewing your report, lowering balances, opting out of credit noise, and unfreezing your report—can help you walk into the mortgage process with confidence.
If your credit still needs work, that’s okay. The insights you gain can guide your next moves, whether that’s tackling debt or speaking with a housing counselor for tailored support.
Ready to take the next step?
📥 Download our free flyer packed with these tips and more! It’s your quick-start guide to getting credit-ready for your dream home.
Need personalized help or have questions? Schedule a call below —we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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