Mortgage Basics 
Credit

A credit report is like a financial report card. It’s a record of how you handle your money, especially when it comes to borrowing and repaying debts. Every time you take out a loan, open a credit card, or make (or miss) a payment, this information is added to your credit report. Learn More...

Credit bureaus collect and maintain detailed information about your financial history, which is used to create your credit report. This information plays a key role in determining your creditworthiness for loans, mortgages, and other financial products. However, many consumers don’t realize that credit bureaus also sell certain types of information to third parties. Understanding what data they collect and sell can help you better protect your privacy and control your financial information. Let’s explore the types of data credit bureaus collect and how they use it. Learn more...

Credit scoring is a method that lenders use to decide whether to approve your credit application. It evaluates your financial history and behaviors, including your payment history, the types and number of accounts you hold, any late payments, collections, outstanding debts, and the age of your credit accounts.

Your credit score is an essential tool used by lenders to assess your financial reliability. But how reliable is it really? Understanding the factors that contribute to your credit score can help you gain confidence in how it’s used. Learn More...

Improving your credit score can open up better financial opportunities, but what steps can you take to make a difference? Small changes in your habits can have a big impact over time. Learn more...

If you’ve been denied credit or didn’t receive the rate or terms you were hoping for, it’s important to take action. Start by asking the creditor if a credit scoring system was used to evaluate your application. If it was, inquire about the specific factors that influenced their decision and how you can improve your application for the future. If you do receive credit, ask the lender whether you were offered the best available rate and terms, and if not, find out why. If inaccuracies in your credit report contributed to a less favorable offer, be sure to dispute that incorrect information. Learn More...

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ensures that your credit information is handled fairly and accurately. But what exactly does it mean for you as a consumer? Learn more...