What’s the key to unlocking superior loan options? Good credit. 

Here’s why every point counts on your path to homeownership

Last month, we discussed the importance of starting the homebuying process early. The same principle applies to credit strategy because for many buyers, having a decent score is the difference between feeling confident and feeling like you’re stuck.

Having a poor score can get you into a cycle of expensive debt. Or worse, it could block you from making a move at all. This is because your credit profile directly impacts how lenders view your application, the financial products available to you, and the manageability of your monthly payment.

But if your credit situation is currently ‘complicated,’ don’t fret! You’re not completely powerless.

The good news is, you don’t need years to make meaningful improvements to your credit score. With the right approach, many buyers can actually strengthen their credit in as little as 30 to 90 days. The steps you take now could be the difference between sitting on the sidelines or buying your dream home by spring.

“A few smart moves can go a long way in a short period of time,” says Everest Loan Officer Eli Wohlberg. “For buyers who start early, that 30 to 90 day window can be a real turning point.”

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First, let’s break down the importance of your credit score. Then, we’ll talk about how to boost it as soon as possible!

Credit: the ultimate ‘adulting’ score

Simply put, your credit score is a snapshot of how you’ve managed debt over time. Lenders use it to assess risk, consistency, and financial responsibility. But even modest improvements can open the door to more flexible loan structures and smoother approvals.

Having strong credit helps buyers:

                      • Qualify for a wider range of loan programs

                      • Feel confident about their purchasing power

                      • Avoid last-minute surprises during underwriting

As important as it is, credit isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparedness.

Loan officer Eli Wohlberg explains, “Credit can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! You don’t need a flawless credit profile to move forward. What matters is knowing where you stand and focusing on the areas that have the biggest impact.”

So, what’s the formula? 

While every buyer’s situation is unique, most credit scores are influenced by these core factors:

  • Payment history (35%) – Whether it’s credit cards, student loans, auto notes, or retail accounts, having consistent, on-time payments matters more than anything else.

  • Credit utilization (30%) – This factor looks at your amounts owed including how much of your available credit you’re using. Maintaining a ratio under 30% is considered low, but ideally, you should be under 10%. 

  • Length of credit history (15%) – Lenders will also look at how long your accounts have been open and active. Obviously, having a longer (positive) history can boost your score (say, 7-10+ years).

  • New credit activity (10%) – Your score is also impacted by the number of hard pulls on your report every time you apply for a loan (or successfully open a new account). These dips are small and temporary, but matter nonetheless.

  • Credit mix (10%) – This factor considers the variety of credit you currently manage. Lenders want to see a healthy mix of revolving credit (like credit cards) and installment loans (such as auto or student).

Small moves, serious impact

So, what can you realistically do to improve your score over the next few months?

Not every part of your credit profile can change quickly, but several high-impact adjustments can make a noticeable difference in a short timeframe.

6 Things to Improve Your Credit Score in 30-90 Days

  1. Lower your credit utilization. If you’re currently using a large portion of your available credit, paying balances down (even slightly) can help improve your score. Many experts recommend keeping utilization under 30%, but even lower is better.

  1. Avoid opening or closing accounts. This isn’t the time to go car shopping! If you’re in the market for a home, new credit inquiries or account closures can temporarily impact your score. During this process, stability is key, so lay low until you’re locked in.

  1. Pay everything on time (no exceptions). Were you lax about making your credit card payments in the past? Even one late payment can slow your progress, so be sure to set up autopay and plan to settle every bill on time over the next few months.

  1. Check your report for errors. This is a good one! Inaccuracies are far more common than many people realize. Comb through everything and start a dispute if you find any identity mix-ups, duplicate accounts, theft/fraud, or data entry errors.

  1. Request a credit increase. If you have existing credit cards, call your card issuers (or use the app) to ask for higher limits. Having more available credit can lower your utilization ratio assuming your balances stay the same.

  1. Become an authorized user. Do you have a parent or close family member with consistently excellent credit? If they’re willing to add you to their account as an authorized user, their good history can boost your score. Just make sure you trust them!

Small slips, big consequences

Unfortunately, many hopeful homebuyers see their hard work come crumbling down due to unforeseen credit missteps. While you’re working on the preceding to-do list, be sure to avoid:

                      • Financing large purchases prior to closing

                      • Co-signing on a loan for someone else

                      • Ignoring small balances that push utilization higher

                      • Making changes without checking with a loan officer first

If you’re not sure, give your contact at Everest a call. Just a quick conversation can prevent any costly delays on your path to homeownership.

Here’s wishing you lower balances and bigger possibilities in the months ahead!

Everest says: 

A better score suits you well

Everest Equity

From solid footing to closing day, 

Everest is with you every step of the way

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