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

1505 W Fillmore Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

$478,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,066 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6624685

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This amazing opportunity for income generation. Property comes with two separate dwelling units. First unit is a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom with its own laundry room. Second unit is a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Both units have separate electricity meters making it perfect if you are considering using one unit as a rental.

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4307 E Walatowa Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$478,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,381 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6648126

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been beautifully remodeled and boasts a large backyard, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. Located in an adult community for those 55 and over, this home also offers access to a fantastic amenity center with a pool. The home features luxurious quartz countertops, new flooring, and new carpet throughout. Its excellent location near restaurants, beautiful hiking trails, and freeways makes it easy to explore the area and stay connected with the community. This home is sure to impress with its spacious layout, modern finishes, and unbeatable location. Seller willing to assist with closing cost!

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12522 W Regal Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$478,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,156 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665359

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

STEP INTO LUXURY WITH THIS METICULOUSLY CRAFTED HOME THAT HAS BEEN MODIFIED AND ENHANCED TO OFFER AN UNPARALLELED LIVING EXPERIENCE! FROM THE MOMENT YOU STEP THROUGH THE DOOR, YOU'LL BE GREETED BY THE INVITING ATMOSPHERE OF THE PRIVATE COURTYARD, SETTING THE TONE FOR WHAT AWAITS INSIDE. Prepare to be captivated by the sweeping Great Room, perfect for entertaining guests or simply unwinding in style. The Open Kitchen with a spacious Kitchen Island is a chef's dream, boasting recent gorgeous flooring that adds a touch of elegance to every meal. INDULGE IN THE UPGRADED BATHROOMS FEATURING BEAUTIFULLY TILED SHOWERS, ADDING A TOUCH OF SOPHISTICATION TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE. WITH 2 BEDROOMS, INCLUDING A MAIN BEDROOM COMPLETE WITH 2 CLOSETS & A PRIVATE BATH. Call an Agent to see this home today!

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15236 W Springleaf Way Surprise, AZ 85374

Open House

$478,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,064 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6612012

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW INTERIOR PAINT!! The Valencia II floor plan is beautiful from floor to ceiling, this home offers a spacious, wide-open feeling as you walk through the front door from the front courtyard with privacy wall and aggregate concrete courtyard surface, walk, and drive way. You are welcomed by tile flooring throughout. The spacious living area has an entertainment wall. sound system, floor plug and a view of the backyard. The kitchen has spacious countertops and cabinet storage with lazy susan and some roll out shelves. Refrig and dishwasher 2020. The office has built in cabinets with 2 built desks. Both bedrooms have a 4 foot extension. Covered back patio. The garage is extended and has built in cabinets and work bench.

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17770 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$477,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,090 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679314

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 4 bed/3 bath with en suite Emerald model shines as brightly as its namesake. An airy, open layout showcases the kitchen, dining room and the great room which leads to the covered patio via double slider center-meet door. This plan is a great option for multi-generational living with the en suite, featuring a living room and a private bed, bath wet bar and lounge area. Included features such as an inviting covered entry, a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; an elegant dining room; a spacious great room; an impressive primary suite showcasing a nice shower with bench, generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also features 9 ft ceilings, 8'6 paneled interior doors, additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and beautiful tile flooring in select areas. Located in the fantastic community of Desert Oasis features parks, playgrounds and a community pool. This beautiful home is done right and has so much to offer! COME CHECK OUT THIS GEM TODAY!!!

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4632 N 178th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85395

$477,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6701122

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

EXCLUSIVE opportunity to be one of the first to move in to Abel Ranch. This premium gated community at Camelback and the 303 is in the perfect location to enjoy peaceful living while being close to amenities. Price increases with every phase ensure you walk into equity opportunity with this lovely home. Lot is tucked in the side of the community with mountain views from your backyard. It's close to community walking trails and be within view of the large park. Onyx Plan features generously sized open concept. Package for Lot 8 includes 42'' Espresso Cabinets, Naturally Appointed Quartz Countertops, Textured Subway tile backsplash, gourmet appliances, premium lighting and wood-look tile everywhere you want it w/plush carpet where you need it. Contact listing agent to learn about incentives

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2030 E Michigan Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$477,500

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

1,734 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694641

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW CONTEMPORARY URBAN STYLE COMMUNITY! Ask about Builder Incentives! POOL VIEW! 3 bedrooms, all ensuite, plus powder room. 2 car garage, 2 X6 Construction, Sheared Ext Walls (All plywood wrapped) Spray Foam insulation and insulated garage door for EXTREME ENERGY EFFICIECY! This home is loaded with standard features, beyond everyone else! Bedroom balcony's and first floor patio. 2 Greatroom Balcony's! Quartz or Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, including refrigerator, Luxury Plank Vinyl floors, carpet. Approximately 5 month move-in. Hurry and select additional upgrades! 5 minutes to Loop 101 and 51 Hwy, Mayo, Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter and Desert Ridge! * Community Pool, Fitness Center coming!

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2030 E Michigan Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$477,500

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

1,734 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694652

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW CONTEMPORARY URBAN STYLE COMMUNITY! Ask about Builder Incentives! POOL VIEW! 3 bedrooms, all ensuite, plus powder room. 2 car garage, 2 X6 Construction, Sheared Ext Walls (All plywood wrapped) Spray Foam insulation and insulated garage door for EXTREME ENERGY EFFICIECY! This home is loaded with standard features, beyond everyone else! Bedroom balcony's and first floor patio. 2 Greatroom Balcony's! Quartz or Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, including refrigerator, Luxury Plank Vinyl floors, carpet. Approximately 5 month move-in. Hurry and select additional upgrades! 5 minutes to Loop 101 and 51 Hwy, Mayo, Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter and Desert Ridge! * Community Pool, Fitness Center coming!

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21499 N Elba Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$477,332

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,400 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682246

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The heart of this ranch floor plan is an open layout with a great room, a breakfast nook and a gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry and a center island. The owner's suite is adjacent, and showcases a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with double sinks and a deluxe shower. A private study with French doors, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a powder room round out the interior of the residence. A 3-car tandem garage and covered patio are also included!

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5069 N Atwood Court Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$477,232

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,307 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694713

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A beautiful Capstone Home in the most sought after community in Prescott Valley ''Jasper'' This home is MOVE-IN-READY. This home features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a tandem 3 car garage. White shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring and 12'' by 24'' tile in the bathrooms and primary shower. A great room fireplace with tile surround makes this open floor plan comfortable and cozy. Come see this home today!

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2648 E Marcos Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$477,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,911 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681551

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Indulge in the allure of the desert from your private oasis by the pool, with views of the scenic golf course. Inside, admire the custom tile, rock wall, plantation shutters, and abundant natural light. This home boasts 2 beds, 2.5 baths, a den, & an ext garage. Enjoy culinary experiences in the exquisite kitchen, featuring granite countertops, island, pendant lighting, RO, SS appliances, & staggered cabinetry w/pullouts. Unwind in the luxurious primary owner's suite, boasting a lavish en-suite with dual sink vanity, marble counters, a walk-in shower, & closet. A 2nd master suite offers its own private bath. Outside, enjoy resort-style living with a fenced yard, extended paver patio, and a 4-foot deep saltwater play pool complete with a rock waterfall and spa lounge area.

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2882 N 155th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$477,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,445 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684854

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Augusta model features a renovated kitchen with granite counters and upgraded appliances. Hardwood floors and tile floors throughout, no carpet to clean! Great room boasts media wall with a cozy built-in fireplace. Aluma wood awning covers this huge patio overlooking the golf course. The picturesque views of the golf course and mountains can be enjoyed from all main living areas. Additional upgrades include a built-in BBQ, sunscreens, plantation shutters, security front entrance door and stone exterior. Both bathrooms renovated with the latest design trends. This move-in ready home is the perfect winter get-a-way that you've been looking for!

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