About the FICO Credit Score

Since we live in an computer-driven world, it should come as no surprise that your ability to repay your mortgage loan comes down to just one number. The FICO score is created by credit agencies. They use the payment history from your various loans: mortgages, car loans, credit cards, etcetera.

All three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) use a slightly different system to arrive at a credit score. Fair Isaac and Cooriginally developed this score. . Experian uses this model and calls its score FICO. Equifax's model, based on FICO, is called BEACON, while TransUnion, which also uses a slightly modified FICO, calls its score EMPIRICA. While these methods vary, the differences aren't huge; all of the agencies use the following to build your score:

• Your Credit History - How long have you had credit?
• History of Payments - Do you have a history of late payments?
• Balances on your Credit Cards - How many accounts do you have, and how much do you owe on them?
• Credit Inquiries - How many times have lenders pulled your credit for the purpose of lending you money?

These factors are weighted slightly differently depending on the formula being used. The results are added up and distilled into a single number. Credit scores can be as low as 300 and as high as 800. Higher is always better. Typical home buyers will likely find their FICO scores between 620 and 800.

Not just for qualifying

Credit scores are used for more than just determining whether or not you qualify for a mortgage. Lenders give lower interest rates to individuals with higher scores.

Can I improve my credit score?

What can you do about your FICO score? Unfortunately, not much. Some companies promise quick fixes, but they can't do anything different than what you can do — for free. You must, of course, remove any incorrect data on your credit report, which is the only "quick fix" for credit troubles.

Know your FICO

Before you can improve your FICO score, you have to get your score and be sure that the reports from each agency are correct. Fair Isaac, the company that offered the original FICO score, offers FICO scores on its website: myFICO.com. It's inexpensive, fast, and easy to get your credit score along with reports from all three credit reporting agencies. They also provide information and tools that can help you improve your FICO score.

You can get a free credit report once a year from all three credit reporting agencies when you visit AnnualCreditReport.com. You won't get a free credit score from AnnualCreditReport.com, but getting it is quick and inexpensive.

Armed with this info, you will be a more informed consumer and you'll be better positioned to get the right mortgage for you.

Curious about credit scores? Give us a call at 504-866-5626.