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

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

1363 W Highland Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,726 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686037
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Magnolia Grove! Nestled on the border of San Tan Valley & Queen Creek, our community offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. Immerse yourself in the vibrant dining and shopping scene just minutes away. Discover our gated enclave, a haven of charm with sprawling green spaces and winding walking trails spanning miles. Three inviting park areas invite leisurely strolls and outdoor relaxation. Step into the Palo Verde, a luxurious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom retreat boasting a spacious layout and a chef's dream kitchen. Adorned with sleek white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances, including a sprawling kitchen island perfect for entertaining. Step outside onto a covered patio & enjoy your private backyard with artificial grass.

11500 E Cochise Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$469,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,587 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6599495
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Pristine FIRST LEVEL - no interior steps W/ DIRECT PRIVATE GARAGE INTERIOR ACCESS & private driveway. Privacy. One of the best Scottsdale resort-like locations in GATED community. All appliances included! Features large open plan concept, a den/office, split bedrooms, full master suite w/large walk-in closet, ceramic tiles, instant hot water system, alarm system, covered patio. Enjoy the great amenities at spotless Community center w/fantastic pool & spa, fitness club/center, social center, parks, walking trail, pool tables, BBQ area, ramada, meeting room, etc... Located near fabulous retail & restaurants, Mayo Clinic, Basis schools, and everything.

18767 W Solano Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$469,900 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Zanjero Trails Infrastructure Phase 1c Parcel 36 P, Litchfield Park
Open House
New
$469,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,842 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6696034
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning 4-bed, 2-bath residence is perfectly located on a corner lot with N/S exposure in Zanjero Trails. Step inside and be captivated by the open layout featuring high ceilings, 8' doors, plenty of natural light, and tile flooring in all the right places. The kitchen is a chef's dream with granite counters, recessed lighting, beautiful cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, ample storage and a large kitchen island! Additionally, there is a versatile den that can be used as an office or bedroom. The primary bedroom offers plush carpet, a large walk-in closet, and a private ensuite with dual sinks. Outside, enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the White Tank Mountains from your back yard complete with a covered patio and beautiful synthetic turf.

14851 S 179th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$469,778
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,845 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6661915
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Absolutely beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home on corner lot in the exclusive master planned community of Estrella Mountain at Vidrio. Step into this open concept home, entertaining kitchen with lots of counter space, walk in pantry and SS appliances. The 9ft ceilings and abundance of windows makes this home bright and spacious! The home has been designed by our professional design team. Come in today and see why this home really does stand apart from all the rest!! Gourmet kitchen with a separate gas cook top, and white quartz counter tops, 42 inch cabinets with decorative back splash. Primary bathroom has a large walk-in shower and large walk-in closet. Two guest bedrooms and a full bathroom complete the home. Builder is offering closing costs incentive to buy down interest rate

27421 W Pontiac Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$469,700
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,625 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6617757
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
START LIVING THE DREAM! This Like New Hideaway Model Has It All! Enter the open concept, split floorplan w/wood plank like tile flooring, designer lighting features & custom window treatments througout. Inviting gathering space offers plenty of room for dining & entertaining. Chefs kitchen features upgraded cabinets, stylish quartz counters, SS appliances, walk-in pantry, island w/seating & pendant lighting. The master bedroom has a private bath w/quartz counters, dual sinks, vanity, walk-in, tile surround shower & large walk-in closet. Charming guest bedrrom w/adjacent bath. Den is perfect for office or hobbies. Extended Utility room has additional storage cabinets. Enjoy outdoor living on the expansive, paved patio overlooking this oversized, low maintenance private, walled backyard.

14762 S Country Club Drive Arizona City, AZ 85123

$469,500
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,597 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682192
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOOK NO FUTHER, BEAUTIFUL MOVE IN READY HOME IN ARIZON CITY. This 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath has 10 feet high ceiling with porcelain tile all through house. Wide open great room that flows into kitchen for an amazing open feel to the home. Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet and double sink master bathroom.

890 Oasis Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$469,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,672 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6617271
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BRING ALL OFFERS! You are going to love the privacy & serenity of this beautifully updated 3BD 2BA home built in 2002 right in the heart of Wickenburg. Updates include, brand new shingle roof, installed Oct. 2023, all new exterior paint, all new vinyl windows in 2023, all appliances are 2 years new along with washer & dryer 1 yr old. Kitchen has been updated and features rustic wood countertops, fantastic coffee bar area w/ floating shelves, updated cabinet doors and plenty of storage. Tile floors throughout. Both bathrooms have been updated and feature lovely all tile walk-in showers. Fantastic additional garage/workshop added that allows for an additional 2+ cars to be housed. Woodworker or crafter will love the additional storage/workspace in this home. Backyard is a paradise! Live your very best life in this peaceful backyard. Ramada added for BBQ area, mature landscape w/ shade trees, fully fenced too! The front features a niche' for sitting and enjoying the peace & quiet of your own little slice of the Wickenburg lifestyle. Remember, we love Wickenburg because of our amazing Fall, Winter & Spring weather, this property allows you wonderful space to enjoy every minute!

4212 S 105th Lane Tolleson, AZ 85353

$469,500
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6621459
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FORMER MODEL HOME!! Ready for Quick Move-In. Every Chef will love this house, Kitchen has a GOURMET KITCHEN that includes DOUBLE OVENS, cooktop w/microwave overhead. 42'' Kitchen Cabinets in ''BURLAP'' color with Satin Nickel Hardware, White Quartz Countertops in Kitchen and Bathrooms! Plank tile flooring in ''Ash Gray'' thought-out all main living areas, upgraded carpet in bedrooms, study and loft. First floor features a study and full bathroom as well as two tone paint throughout. Primary bath includes SEPERATE TUB/SHOWER, dual vanity sinks, quartz countertops and spacious walk-in closet with separate private access to the laundry room. This home also features garage service door, covered back patio and spacious, landscaped backyard with artificial turf and room for a pool.

42916 N 43rd Drive New River, AZ 85087

$469,500
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,790 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6652020
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Seller willing to pay for fixed rate buy down through seller's lender!! Welcome to your beautiful home in the highly popular Anthem West community. Home features a very elegant kitchen with matching black appliances with a built-in microwave, large island with high-top breakfast bar, gas cooking stove, a pantry, and stainless-steel refrigerator. Home also features a split primary suite with a beautiful bay window, a full primary bath with dual vanities, a separate tub and shower, a private toilet room, a spacious walk-in closet, and large garden style soaking tub. Additional features include plantations shutters, a built-in BBQ out back with and an extended patio with pavers, and much more.

5418 S Equestrian Avenue Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$469,500 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Pueblo Del Sol Village One B, Sierra Vista
Open House
$469,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,852 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6653505
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NO HOA. WHAT A DEAL!!! ASSUME THIS AMAZING LOW INTEREST RATE AT 2.25%!!! MUST BE A VETERAN TO ASSUME THE LOAN. This 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 2,852 SqFt, 1.24 acre home has everything you need!! It features: A large, remodeled kitchen w/upgraded appliances & light fixtures! Living room, large sized family room, large AZ room has 4 ceiling fans & a bar. A brand new Bosch dishwasher, new hot water heater & new upgraded ceiling fans. New, upgraded vinyl wood plank floors in LR & primary bdrm. New ''Safe-Step'' walk-in tub and shower, a New Bidet, ...... Two each AC, Evap Cooler, & F/P. Newly coated roof. Large, fenced back yard w/ 5 storage sheds (one can be used as a workshop). Horses ok. RV Gate and parking. Gorgeous Mountain Views, ready for you to occupy!!!!

327 S Pioneer Trail Snowflake, AZ 85937

$469,490
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,266 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6659267
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful single level home backing the Snowflake golf course in the highly desired Frontier Estates. This home's prime location makes it one of a kind! Featuring a split floor plan with 3 bedrooms and an office. On nearly a 1/2 acre this home features gorgeous landscape front and back with a spacious storage shed, private hot tub and propane tank (full and owned, ready to go). As an additional bonus, our lucky buyer will inherit an HVAC unit that is less than 4 years old, tankless hot water heater, water softening and water filtration systems and abundant solar savings with NO LEASE! With granite countertops throughout, a spacious laundry room, tiled master shower and walk in closets, the upgrades are too many to name. A must see today!

10018 W Gulf Hills Drive Sun City, AZ 85351

$469,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,427 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682928
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You will fall in love with this spacious 3b/3b one-of-a-kind house. The beautiful remodeled custom kitchen has stainless appliances, granite counters, mosaic glass/marble tiled walls, Merillat cabinets w/pull-out shelves and a breakfast nook. It has 2 lg suites, 2nd guest bedroom and all bathrooms have been updated. Lots of closet space! The home theater has lighted floor to ceiling Merillat built-in's designed for a lg entertainment system. 3 versatile bonus rooms are ideal for a home office, bar, or a pool table. Entertain family and friends, the possibilities are endless! The backyard affords privacy with block walls on 2 sides so you can enjoy dinner in the gazebo. Solar panels are owned, double pane doors and windows throughout to ensure energy efficiency. Welcome to your new home.