Worried about Your FICO Score? 4 Easy Strategies to Fix It Up

If you’re worried about your bad credit, you’ll want to do everything in your power to improve your rating as quickly as possible – especially if you have a major purchase coming up. Improving your credit rating can give you access to better interest rates on mortgages or even help you to get that job you’re after.

IMPORTANT! If you are currently involved in a home loan transaction, speak with your trusted real estate advisor before taking any action regarding your credit!

So how can you boost your FICO score quickly and easily? Here’s what you need to know.

Get Your Credit Report And Dispute Any Errors

Credit reporting agencies don’t always keep 100% perfect records, and there’s a good chance that your credit report contains at least one error. One recent FTC study found that 25% of consumers have an error on their credit report, and that in 5% of cases, the errors were actually severe enough to impact the loan terms that borrowers were able to negotiate.

You can get your annual credit report from all three credit reporting agencies for free. Carefully read over it. If you see any errors – if your name is misspelled, if they have the wrong address on file, or if there are late or unpaid charges that you didn’t make – you can dispute the items in question.

Still Overdue? Negotiate Payment Terms With Your Creditors

If you’re overdue on a payment, it will weigh heavily on your credit score. As your payment history makes up a full 35% of your FICO score, this is one area where you’ll want to invest a great deal of time and effort.

Contact any creditors you owe money to and ask if you can negotiate your bill. The ideal outcome for you is to have the creditor report your debt as paid in full, so see if you can secure that promise in writing in exchange for an accelerated payment schedule.

Try Maintaining A Lower Utilization Ratio

Your utilization ratio refers to the amount of credit you use at any given time. If this number goes beyond 30 percent, you’ll start to see your credit score drop. Ideally, you should aim for a utilization ratio below 10 percent – this will prove to your lender that you can responsibly pay for the credit you use.

Have Recurring Bills? Automate Your Payments

Automating your monthly payments can be a great way to boost your credit score. Whether it’s your mortgage, your credit card, or your student loan, a pre-authorized monthly payment will ensure that everything gets paid on time and give you a great credit history.

Your FICO score is a number that will determine your eligibility for mortgages and other loans. These are general tips to help with your credit score and improve the overall reporting of your credit.

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

2857 W Monte Way Laveen, AZ 85339

$479,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6642248

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This two-story home features an 8-ft. entry door and 9-ft. first floor ceilings. The open concept floor plan includes a spacious great room with access to an extended covered back patio. The kitchen boasts granite counters, an expansive center island, and 42-in. upper cabinets for added storage space. You'll also find porcelain tile flooring and a bedroom with full bath on the first level. Moving upstairs, the bedrooms and common areas feature plush carpeting, with porcelain tile flooring in the laundry and baths. The spacious laundry room also includes granite countertops, a deep-set sink, and linen closet. sq./ft. lot with a generous side yard and spectacular views of South Mountain.

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17715 W Pueblo Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$479,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,137 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691887

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''Up to 3% of Base Price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender.'' The Barletta floor plan boasts 4 bedrooms, a den with double doors, a 2-foot garage extension, a soft water loop, and an 8-foot garage door. Additionally, this home will showcase built-in appliances in a chef's kitchen, a gas stub both in the kitchen and for BBQ, a side-by-side stainless steel refrigerator, washer dryer set, and 2-inch window blinds throughout. Anticipated completion is in May 2024.

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4524 N 91st Drive Phoenix, AZ 85037

$479,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,968 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655543

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFUL CORNER LOT SINGLE LEVEL HOME IN A GATED COMMUNITY. FEATURES 4BEDS, 3BATHS, 2CAR-GARAGE, AND A BONUS ROOM. UPGRADED 42' CABINET, STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES, REFRIGERATOR, AND CORDS COUNTERTOPS. TILE FLOORING ALL THE RIGHT PLACE. INSIDE LAUNRY ROOM WITH WASHER/DRYER. LOW MAINTENANCE FRONT/BACKYARD WITH PAVER AREA. CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR LOOP 101, 5 MINUTES DRIVE TO THE WESTGATE ENTERTAINMENT DISSTRICT WITH MANY SHOPPING ANE RESTAURANTS NEAR BY THAT MAKE HOME IS GREAT FOR FAMILY OR INVESTMENT POTENTIAL. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT MANY SMART FEATURES IN THE HOME SUCH AS SMART LOCK, MYQ GARAGE DOOR OPENER, PROGRAMABLE THERMALSTAT WITH ALL WIFI CONNECTIONS.

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10814 W Luxton Lane Tolleson, AZ 85353

$479,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,075 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680643

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FULLY UPGRADED MODEL HOME FOR SALE!! This stunning Craftsman elevation - 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom plus a den is our model home which included our signature level Rockwell Palette featuring 42 inch white upper cabinets with 3 inch crown molding, 2-tone paint, ceiling fans in every bedroom and plenty more! Pull into your pavered driveway, step into your walkway and feel secure with your smart home security ring package upon entry. The Rockwell features 6X36 tile flooring, dark grey carpet pair well with a one of a kind kitchen with a granite countertop and beach sand backsplash. Step into the 8 ft door and witness the foyer space with 9 ft ceilings throughout the home. Finishes include matte black fixtures with rectangular vanity bowls in every bathroom.

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11804 S 173rd Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$479,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,942 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703341

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Situated on a homesite facing sweeping views of the Estrella Mountains. A front porch perfect for welcoming guests leads to the grand entryway and hall. The open-concept kitchen includes ample countertop space, a center island, and an expansive walk-in pantry. Host your next dinner party in the open dining and great room then transition to the covered back patio for dessert and a nightcap. Located within the Estrella masterplan with 2 state-of-the-art Residents Clubs including fitness centers and pools, Starsplash Water Park, and a community lake with activities including boat rentals.

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1429 W Flintlock Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

New

$479,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,873 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6707217

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of Base Price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender. This stunning Farmington home borders our breathtaking mountain preserve, ensuring no neighbors behind you. It boasts dark cabinets, neutral tan flooring, and a chef's kitchen with built-in appliances. Don't miss your final chance to own this popular floorplan.

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11215 W Marguerite Avenue Tolleson, AZ 85353

$479,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,274 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672358

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Below Market Financing Available!!!!!!!! This single-story home has a smart layout that is perfect for families who need privacy. Three bedrooms are located at the front of the home, along with a versatile living room. Down the hall is the main living area with a Great Room, kitchen and dining area, while the owner's suite is in the back for added privacy. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home.

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10847 W Avenida Del Rey -- Peoria, AZ 85383

$479,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687406

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Indulge in the warmth of contemporary luxury in the heart of North Peoria's Tierra Del Rio neighborhood. Located 1 mile from the dining and retail destination of Four Corners, this gorgeous Pulte home has been immaculately upgraded and maintained. Step into your new sanctuary, built in 2010 and presenting new exterior paint, Italian ceramic tile blanketing the home throughout, a rich gourmet eat-in kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, large walk-in showers, tankless hot water, water conditioner, expansive great room, and French doors framing the outdoor oasis. Enjoy coffee or entertain guests under the custom pergola, or stroll down to the Aqua Fria River Trail, steps from the front door. Close to Lake Pleasant, Peoria schools, energy-efficient, and a 1-year home warranty. This home has it all!

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12004 S 173rd Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

Open House

$479,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,930 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700791

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

AVAILABLE JUNE/JULY -Situated on a homesite facing sweeping views of the Estrella Mountains. Welcoming guests through the foyer leads to the grand entryway and hall. The open-concept kitchen includes ample countertop space, a center island, and an expansive walk-in pantry. Host your next dinner party in the open dining and great room then transition to the covered back patio for dessert and a nightcap. Additional highlights include wood like tile, 8' interior doors, and pavers at the driveway, walk and entryway. Located within the Estrella masterplan with 2 state-of-the-art Residents Clubs including fitness centers and pools, Starsplash Water Park, and a community lake with activities including boat rentals.

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4274 Sawbuck Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$479,950

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,744 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6600394

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready home in Wickenburg Ranch, 55+ neighborhood. Home sits on one of the largest lots in this community and the backyard opens up to a wonderful common area which is fenced for privacy. The backyard also has a custom water feature, artificial turf and a nice sized covered pergola. Beautiful landscaping front and back. Enjoy the 10 ft ceilings, custom fireplace, walk in pantry, granite countertops in kitchen, extra wide hallway, custom cabinets in garage., floored attic which give you a large storage area. Your HOA fee includes play on the nine hole golf course, heated pool and spa, pickleball courts, state of the art gym, dog park, miles of walking paths, catch and release fishing in the Lake Park!!! With so many activities offered, you will never be bored. Owner/agent.

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7835 N 86th Lane Glendale, AZ 85305

$479,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,593 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671337

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful NEW BUILD in a Gated Community! Located in a highly sought area near shopping centers including the Tanger Outlets, State Farm Stadium, restaurants galore, casino, movie theater and lots more! This beautiful home has many builder upgrades that include tile wood floors, upgraded kitchen cabinets, farmhouse sink, epoxy garage floor with side entry door only to name a few. Crystal lighting pendants were installed after by the owner over the kitchen island and in the foyer only adds to the elegance of this cozy and warm home along with gorgeous ceiling fans, as well! Nice backyard awaits you for your final touch. This home will make you the perfect 'humble abode'!

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4527 W Fortune Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$479,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,625 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692661

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! This single story home is ready for move in! From the moment you walk in to the open living room with adjacent den you feel that this is THE space for you! The modern kitchen has a breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. The backyard is the perfect spot to chill under the covered patio or in the shaded areas of the designer landscape to enjoy all the desert has to offer! Upgraded flooring throughout leads in to all of the bedrooms with the primary bedroom offering an en suite and walk in closet with ceiling fan. This home packs a punch and is in a great location! Check this home out ASAP and fall in love!

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