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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16036 N 11th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85023

$466,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,270 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6616050

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GREAT SPACE! This is an amazing opportunity for a 4 bedroom 3 bath with a community pool! This move in ready home is over 2,200 square feet! This is the home you have been dreaming of finding...

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41000 W Agave Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$465,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6400949

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS HOME IS READY FOR YOU!!! Belice - perfect for entertaining with a 12x8 sliding glass door that leads out to your extended covered patio. Large walk-in shower at Owner's bath and ceramic tile surrounds, Designer gas appliance package, Lausanne Espresso cabinets with 42'' upper kitchen cabinets and upgraded hardware. Himalaya white granite countertops in kitchen and on the enhanced kitchen island. 8' tall interior doors throughout home. Upgraded flooring includes level 9 carpet in all bedrooms/closets and Linden Pointe Grigio 12x24 floor tile in remaining areas of the home. Dual sinks at bath 2. We're also adding in the pre-plumb for soft water. Interior two tone ''Agreeable Gray'' paint. Garage service door and an 8' tall garage door.

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16755 W Buckhorn Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$465,462

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,291 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686984

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Can't find what you want on the resale market, look no further. This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Pastora plan is open, spacious and livable. The kitchen overlooks the great room and is loaded with upgrades. The kitchen includes 42'' upper cabinets with a gourmet layout, stainless steel appliances, quartz counter top and beautiful back splash. The flooring throughout is upgraded. The 12ft. sliding glass door allows more light into the great room and provides a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Our High Performance Homes come standard with home automation technology and a Reme Halo air purifier to promote a healthy lifestyle. EZ access to the 303 loop. Elementary school is close to community. Home is MOVE-IN READY

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17708 W Eva Street Waddell, AZ 85355

$465,420

5 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,915 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687003

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This GORGEOUS Single Story New Construction home has it all! 1,915 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, w/ 2 car garage! ***Est COE in May*** Our Quick move-in homes will include appliances and backyard landscape with turf. This home features a modern, neutral color palette, offering 36'' white shaker cabinetry, a large kitchen island, upgraded white quartz countertops, and 9' ceilings throughout. It also includes a soft water loop. This home prioritizes efficiency, with features such as dual pane low-E windows, and a smart home system included. The exterior features front yard desert landscaping, a covered patio and private backyard. Conveniently located off the 303, this community is near Costco, Safeway, and shopping. **Finishes may vary from sample photos and virtual tour.

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1850 E Bernie Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$465,205

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,812 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693338

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Beautiful, newly built condo now available in Towns at Annecy! This 2-story Spanish/Italian style property offers a lovely kitchen with Stainless Electric GE appliances including a refrigerator, Quartz countertops, and a Delta Faucet. Other highlights include Espresso Shaker style cabinets, Delta Bath Hardware, wood look flooring, two closets in the Primary Suite, and ample storage throughout. A stainless GE Washer and Dryer are also included! Soft Water Loop pre-plumbed only. Enjoy gated access and endless amenities including a pool, spa, playground, and more! Please note that the interior photos are not from this home, they are a reference from a finished model.

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1850 E Bernie Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$465,205

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,812 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693434

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Lovely new Spanish/Italian style condo now available in the private and gated community of Towns at Annecy. Enjoy endless amenities throughout the community and designer selections throughout the 3 bed, 2.5 bath home. Stainless Electric GE appliances including a Refrigerator, Washer, and Dryer! The kitchen boasts Quartz countertops, a Delta Kitchen Faucet, and Nutmeg Shaker style cabinets throughout. The unit has ample storage including two closets in the Primary Suite. Other highlights include wood look flooring and carpet flooring, Delta bath hardware, and a Soft Water Loop pre-plumbed only. Attached 2-car tandem garage. Please note that the interior photos are not from this home, they are a reference from a finished model.

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5258 E Calle De La Fressa -- Hereford, AZ 85615

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,928 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691769

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A must see to appreciate is the elegance and peaceful beauty of this new built 4-bedroom modern, country charmer! Boasting magnificent views of the northern/ eastern mountain range & the gorgeous Huachuca mountains, a hike away. The front porch & yard provide an idyllic ambiance for the beauty of this quiet country style neighborhood. Featuring a wonderful spacious open floor plan, to include 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a den, vaulted ceilings, larger windows, taler doors & an open concept - split bedroom plan, with an oversized 3 car garage. Just beautiful are the buttercream-colored cabinets accented with the darker granite counters. A lovely kitchen island & charming dinning create such a relaxing yet elegant dining experience. The wood tile flooring throughout makes for easy living and a great look. Stop in to see this gorgouse home and you too will fall in love!

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1278 Pinedale Road Pinedale, AZ 85934

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,685 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699852

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Super Cute home located in quaint Pinedale, famous for the covered bridge - located approx. 20 minutes from Show Low and 15 minutes to Taylor. The home is in good condition on a large almost half acre lot. Open floor plan with a farmhouse feel. Well appointed kitchen with center island and butcher block counters. Large master suite with door to covered deck area, master bathroom has dual sinks, dressing area and large walk in closet. Laundry room has built in cabinetry. Spacious attached 2 car garage, extra parking on side and large storage shed are additional benefits. Backyard has mature trees, is cross fenced and has a unique planter area that has water to it. Enjoy year round activities at the Pinedale community center. A lovely home, not to be missed!

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2577 Elk Run Loop Snowflake, AZ 85937

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,904 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678890

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Very nice 3 Bed 2 Bath home on 1.71 fenced acres with an RV Storage Barn/Shop. Only a few years old in a lovely secluded neighborhood near Shumway, between Snowflake and Show Low. Move in ready.

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1081 W 1st Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$465,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,771 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6598480

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome Home! Step inside this luxurious, fully remodeled 2 story townhome that sits nestled in the amazing city of Tempe! Upon entering this home, you are greeted with gorgeous tile flooring, tons of natural light and an open floor concept! The kitchen boasts a breakfast bar, pantry, stark white cabinetry, tiled backsplash and black appliances! The spacious bedrooms offer plenty of room for sleep, study, and storage. This home offers your very own private balcony! Don't forget about the 3 car garage! Look no further! This home will not disappoint!

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701 S Nassau Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$465,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,359 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6626228

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover your new home sweet home in the coveted Lakes community of The Islands in Gilbert! This charming townhome offers a cozy yet elegant lifestyle with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 well-appointed baths, and thoughtful touches throughout. As you enter, you're greeted by a warm and inviting kitchen, featuring modern stainless steel appliances, plenty of storage, and countertops that make meal prep a breeze. The kitchen opens up to a welcoming living area, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Natural light floods your home keeping every room feel light, bright and open! Upstairs, you'll find a handy loft space that's ideal for a home office or a comfy reading nook. The bedrooms are comfortably sized, and the bathrooms, including the master en suite, are beautifully finished, providing a spa-like experience every day. But the luxury doesn't stop inside. Step out onto your patio and indulge in your private spaa little slice of heaven where you can soak away the stresses of the day. Enjoy relaxing with your family or whip up a delicious meal on your built-in BBQ! Living in The Islands also means enjoying great community features. Spend sunny Arizona days lounging by the community pool or take a peaceful walk around the neighborhood lake. It's all here, adding to the vacation vibe this area is known for. Your new home is more than just a place to liveit's a part of a community where life is a bit sweeter and the conveniences of shopping, dining, and entertainment are just moments away.Ready to start living your best life in Gilbert? Come see why this townhome is the perfect place for you and your family! Don't wait, this home won't last long!

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1265 E Judi Street Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,321 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6631916

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS GORGEOUS, 4-BDRM, 2-BATH HOME boasts THOUSANDS IN QUALITY UPGRADES THROUGHOUT! Spacious, open floor plan with Great Room, separate dining room and a wonderful kitchen with granite counters, large dining island with pendant lighting and stainless appliances. Fresh interior paint and Levelor blinds in neutral colors throughout. 3-car tandem garage with cabinets and storage racks. Maturely landscaped backyard offers a sparkling pool, HUGE Pergola Patio and She-Shed. Double side-gates and electrical hook-up (No on-site RV parking, but temporary parking is permitted.). Custom lighting and much more! Cottonwood Ranch features walking paths and a kids playground PLUS low, low HOA fees! Hurry to see this MOVE-IN READY HOME!

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