Buyer education
Six moves.
One stronger credit profile.
Your credit profile is one of the biggest levers you control before applying. These six moves, done in the right order, raise your score, widen your program options, and strengthen your position - none require a hard inquiry.
Pay revolving balances below 30% usage
Utilization is the second-biggest FICO factor. Getting each card below 30%, ideally below 10%, can lift your score within one billing cycle.
Dispute errors on all 3 bureau reports
Pull your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts that are not yours or wrong balances, and dispute through each bureau's portal.
Do not close old accounts
Closing an old card removes available credit and shortens your average account age. Keep old cards open and use them lightly.
Go quiet on new credit
Every new credit application creates a hard inquiry and shortens your average age. Avoid opening anything new in the 6-12 months before applying.
Automate on-time payments
Payment history is the single biggest FICO factor. Set up autopay for the minimum on every account, then pay the full balance separately.
Get a soft-pull review with us first
A soft-pull review lets us see your full profile with zero score impact. We identify the highest-value moves for your specific file.
The six moves above map directly onto these five FICO factors - the heavier the weight, the more it is worth your focus.
- Payment history 35%
- On-time payments are the most powerful single factor.
- Utilization 30%
- Keep balances low relative to limits.
- Age of accounts 15%
- Longer history helps - do not close old cards.
- Credit mix 10%
- A blend of revolving and installment accounts is healthy.
- New credit 10%
- Recent applications and new accounts temporarily lower scores.
Ready for your free soft-pull review?
Scan the code or reach out. We pull your full profile with zero score impact and tell you exactly what to focus on for your target purchase timeline.