Best Way to Lower Your Mortgage Rate: Improve Your Credit Score

^{Grey brick homes, mortgage properties in a subdivision Photo: Dillon Kydd / Unsplash.}

A mortgage is a type of loan that is typically used to purchase property. The purchased property is often used as collateral to secure the mortgage. 

A mortgage serves as a legal contract between the buyer and the seller. It outlines the details of the loan and could be the only means available to purchase a home. 

Although global inflation concerns have recently increased the likelihood of mortgage rates rising, there are still many benefits of taking out a mortgage today. For instance, you will be able to maintain your financial liquidity by taking on a mortgage. 

Advantages of Taking Out a Mortgage

The interest you pay on your mortgage is tax-deductible, and, generally speaking, mortgage debt tends to carry low-interest rates. When you own a home, you can build home equity. 

Home equity is the value of your home minus any debts on the home like your mortgage. The longer you own a home the more home equity you will have as you pay off the mortgage and your property grows in value. 

Anytime your home grows in value so too does your home equity. You can use this home equity to secure financing for renovations, paying off debts, investing, or anything else you need. 

Moreover, when you take out a mortgage to buy a home, not only do you get a place to live, but you also get an asset that you can use to generate passive income. You can turn your home into a rental property by posting a listing online and earn some extra income. This investment can also help you grow your wealth and pay off your home faster. 

For many people, investing in a home will be the biggest investment they will ever make. A mortgage may allow you to invest your extra money into a property that will pay great dividends when you are ready to sell the home in the future.

However, if you want to enjoy lower interest rates on your mortgage, then you should do everything in your power to increase your credit score.

Credit Scores Impact on Mortgages

Your credit score changes over time. It is determined by your financial behaviors, such as your ability to pay off your debts on time and make regular payments. 

A score of 660 is considered good, with higher scores being even better.

State-of-the-art computer algorithms known as scoring models will go over your credit reports to determine your credit score. Higher credit scores mean lower mortgage interest rates. 

In fact, you may not be able to even qualify for a mortgage if you have a low credit score, because lenders usually see you as a big financial risk.

So, it is important to improve your credit scores when looking for a mortgage.

Tips to Improve Your Credit Score

To increase your credit score, you need to get into the habit of paying off your bills on time. 

Moreover, roughly 30% of your credit score is determined by credit utilization. As a result, you should try to reduce the amount of credit that you use. Most experts believe that trying not to exceed 30% of the credit available to you at a given time is ideal.

In addition, if you have an amount owing on multiple past-due accounts, then you should try and eliminate those debts as soon as possible. 

We would also recommend that you go over your credit report to look for any errors that may be impeding your credit score and report them immediately. Any detected errors should be reported as soon as possible to improve your financial standing. 

Credit cards should also only be used as a last resort. Try and use cash whenever possible, or only use plastic to make small purchases that you can quickly pay off.

You should also try to create an amalgamation of debt that is financially healthy. In other words, you should be very selective when applying for credit.

Applying for the right types of credit products will show your prospective lenders that you make sound financial decisions and can be trusted.

Seeking additional credit may be tempting, especially if you are in a bind, but it may lead to problems down the line and should only be considered as a last resort.

Consider Hiring a Mortgage Broker

When looking to get a mortgage and become a homeowner, it is a good idea to work with a mortgage broker. A key benefit of hiring a mortgage broker is they can help you save money. 

Mortgage brokers have exclusive access to certain lenders in the industry, which may allow you to enjoy access to exclusive financial products you wouldn’t get otherwise.  

Your broker can maintain regular contact with various lenders and negotiate on your behalf to get you the best deal available, saving you quite a bit of stress and legwork. In fact, not only will you save quite a bit of time, but your mortgage broker will also take care of the paperwork.

The legal jargon and financial terms when getting a mortgage can sometimes be quite confusing and difficult for some folks to understand. Your broker will go over all of the financial terms and conditions in layman's terms so that you are fully aware of what you are getting yourself into.

You won’t have to worry about the application, providing you with peace of mind, as you won’t have to worry about possibly making an error that can lead to your application being denied. A mortgage broker can help go over your financial details and provide you with access to lenders and financial products that you would not be privy to without their help.

It should also be noted that brokers are well educated, qualified and are also fully regulated. The best of them will go above and beyond the call of duty to provide you with a mortgage arrangement that speaks to your current and future financial goals and needs.

Take the First Step

Whether or not you work with a mortgage broker who helps you find a custom-tailored mortgage solution that will allow you to become a homeowner, you should strive to make all of your payments on time. By not missing any payments, it’ll boost your credit score over time. 

You should also try and avoid the temptation to take on too much credit at any given time. With the right mortgage deal and discipline, you can make your dream of owning a home a reality!