Know your FICO score before buying a home.

FICO scores are credit-risk scores developed by Fair Isaac Corporation from information in your credit reports. Common score ranges run from 300 to 850, and you may have different scores depending on the scoring model and credit bureau used.

Mortgage lenders commonly review credit information from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Your score is important, but lenders also consider income, existing debt, savings, assets, property details, and loan-program rules.

Lenders use credit scores and reports to help assess repayment risk. A stronger credit profile can expand available options or improve pricing, while a lower score may mean different loan choices, higher costs, or additional requirements.

There is no single score that guarantees approval or a specific interest rate. Ask Morgan to review the full file rather than relying on a consumer score alone.

• Pay every account on time and address past-due balances promptly.
• Keep revolving balances well below their credit limits instead of allowing one card to remain near its maximum.
• Keep older, well-managed accounts stable; do not close or open accounts only to chase a score change.
• If your credit history is thin, discuss a deliberate credit-building plan before applying for store, gas, or secured cards; new credit and high-interest balances can create new risk.
• Review all three credit reports and dispute genuine errors with the company that supplied the information and the appropriate credit bureau.
• Give improvements time to appear. Accurate negative information usually cannot be removed simply because it is inconvenient.

Mortgage inquiries made while comparison shopping are generally grouped by scoring models when they occur within a short period. The exact window varies by model, so keep your mortgage shopping focused and confirm timing with your lender.

Checking your own credit report is a soft inquiry and does not lower your credit score.

AnnualCreditReport.com is the federally authorized source for free reports from the three nationwide credit bureaus. FICO and each bureau also provide educational information and credit services.