Why Repairing Your Credit Before Buying a Home Is Crucial

The Consequences of Ignoring Your Credit Before Buying a Home

Buying a home comes with hidden challenges that go beyond what's depicted on TV. Improving your credit score can open up more lender options and lead to lower interest rates, ultimately saving you money over the life of your loan.

Here are the two main downsides of neglecting your credit before purchasing a home:

1. You won't have as many lender options: A higher credit score provides access to a wider range of lenders offering competitive rates. Without a good credit history, you may face limited options and higher costs, such as with FHA loans.
2. You'll pay more in interest: Lower credit scores typically result in higher interest rates, leading to increased costs over the loan term. Improving your credit can significantly reduce the amount you pay in interest.

To avoid these pitfalls, consider checking your credit score, reviewing your credit report for errors, paying down existing debt, and maintaining a history of on-time payments.