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Charleston SC Real Estate Blog: Ways to Improve a Credit Score

Richard Peck
Senior Mortgage Advisor
Walker Jackson Mortgage Corporation
Phone: (843) 209-5937
Fax: (843) 881-7383
License: 248037
richard.peck@wjmortgage.com
 

Ways to Improve a Credit Score
With identity theft on the rise, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of reviewing their credit reports. However, their thoughts about credit and its long-term impact upon their financial future typically end there until it's time to apply for a home loan. A credit score is used to evaluate how likely a borrower is to repay their loan. There are several actions a person can take to impact their score. Here are a few to keep in mind.

If someone has a credit card which has a high balance, while their remaining credit cards have low or zero balances, it's best to distribute the debt across the cards in order to change the ratio of debt to available credit.

Many consumers believe that they should close an existing credit card account if the card is inactive. It's better to keep the account open and use it periodically in order to take advantage of its contribution to their long-term credit history.

With the flood of credit card offers that come in the mail, it may be tempting to open new accounts. However, these "pre-approved" offers are not approved until the companies run a credit report which will temporarily impact the applicant's credit score. In addition, experts recommend that a person maintain between two to five credit card accounts, total, so it's best to avoid accumulating too many.

There are several factors that contribute to a credit score. But by observing the tips above, as well as making payments on time and keeping balances as low as possible, a consumer is sure to achieve superior results.

 
Mortgage Interest Rates*The 1% origination fee has been waived for all options.
 
Rates as of Thursday, 6th October, 2011:
 
Term
Conforming
APR
Payment per
$1,000
Jumbo
APR
Payment per
$1,000
Arm Reset Term
30 Year Fixed Conventional
360
4.00%
4.141%
$4.77
%
0.000%
$0.00
15 Year Fixed Conventional
360
3.625%
3.763%
$4.56
%
0.000%
$0.00
5 Year ARM Coventional
360
4.125%
4.267%
$4.85
%
0.000%
$0.00
360
30 Year Fixed FHA/VA
360
3.875%
4.015%
$4.70
%
0.000%
$0.00
5 Year ARM FHA
360
3.375%
3.511%
$4.42
%
0.000%
$0.00
360
30 Year Fixed USDA
360
3.875%
4.015%
$4.70
%
0.000%
$0.00
30 Year Fixed JUMBO
360
%
0.000%
$0.00
4.75%
4.836%
$5.22

*Rates are subject to change due to market fluctuations and borrower's eligibility. Payment amounts do not include amounts for taxes and insurance. Actual payments will be higher.