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.

7009 E Acoma Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$449,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
972 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6636670
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Location, location...Beautiful end unit with Private Garage. The Exclusive Plaza Residences offers resort style living in the upscale Kierland Quarters area of Scottsdale. Walking distance to Kierland shopping, fine dinning, parks, walking/biking paths, golf, Scottsdale Airpark & much, more...Condo is close to well appointed club house, fitness center, game room, lap pool & spa. New flooring & A/C unit installed within the last few years. Located in a very quiet area. Condo offers 2 spacious split master bedroom suites. inside laundry, fabulous open floor plan, fireplace, large Balcony with storage area. Modern well appointed kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless appliances. The condo also has one of limited garages. ''Keep car out of the hot sun and protecte 2 hours notice for showing.....occupied condo

7452 E Keats Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$449,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,521 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6658703
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move-in ready home with POOL is situated on prime interior N/S lot across from neighborhood park. The home feels clean and fresh- new carpet and interior paint, updated lighting, fans, appliances, faucets, toilets, door hardware. The garage is pristine with fresh paint and a new epoxy floor. Home chefs will love cooking on the 5 burner gas range/convection oven and the abundant cabinets and counter space. The home has vaulted ceilings and a spacious great room floor plan. The primary bath offers dual sinks, separate tub/shower, walk-in closet & handy exit to patio. Backyard oasis with refreshing pool, covered patio, large side yard and shed ticks all the boxes. Convenient access to dining, shopping, golf and freeways. Solar panels w/grandfathered net metering. Solar lease in documents tab

515 W Atlanta Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85041

$449,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,780 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6641462
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Back on Market! Minutes from Downtown Phoenix! Beautiful new 2023 Build with no HOA, RV Gate and an inside laundry room! Home was built in 2023 and is a true Gem. This home has an open floor plan with a large kitchen that has an oversized island and breakfast nook. This home has 4 spacious bedrooms with all the bells and whistles. There are several new builds being built in area and area is going through a gentrification process. Location is perfect just minutes to downtown, airport and all the great restaurants south Phoenix has to offer. this home will not last bring your buyers today! There are multiple new builds being built in surrounding area. Act Fast! Easy to show!

7313 N 21st Drive Phoenix, AZ 85021

$449,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,616 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6644482
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stop the car! Don't miss this 4 bedroom 3 bath home. As you pull up, notice the charming stone accents, a carport space, a cozy front porch, an extended driveway, & a large front yard with swaying shade trees. Discover a delightful great room accentuated with flooring, tall ceilings, & sliding glass doors to the backyard. The spotless kitchen is fully equipped with recessed lighting, granite counters, & white cabinetry. The expansive main suite highlights a brick-wall fireplace, a sitting area, a walk-in closet, outdoor access, & a sliding barn door leading to the private bathroom w/dual vanities. Don't miss the the backyard where you have a covered patio, a gazebo with a built-in grilling station, additional carport space, & a rear RV gate with additional yard. Hurry home!