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Writer's pictureRoss Varahrami

How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Mortgage Rate

Your path to homeownership can be quite a thrilling adventure, but it comes with its fair share of financial tests and challenges. One crucial factor that can significantly impact your ability to secure an affordable mortgage loan is your credit or FICO score. As you start a search for your dream home, understanding how your FICO score affects your mortgage rate can be very eye opening and prepare you for positioning yourself within the most optimal criteria for real estate financing.


How Your Credit (FICO) Score Impacts Your Mortgage Rate

The FICO Score Basics:

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, ranging from 300 to 850. This three-digit number is calculated based on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit in use, and recent credit inquiries. Whether the mortgage lender or broker is based out of Orange County, CA or positioned anywhere on the map, lenders will use the FICO score to evaluate the risk associated with lending you money. Keep in mind that FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) has about 50 different ways to "grade" your FICO, and mortgage companies use specific scoring models to calculate risk. This means that sometimes the FICO score that you may see online, isn't the same FICO score that the mortgage broker is using to calculate risk of lending.


The FICO Score and Mortgage Rates:

Your credit score plays a pivotal role in determining the interest rate you'll be offered on your mortgage. Generally, the higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate, and vice versa. Lenders view a higher credit score as an indicator of financial responsibility, reducing the perceived risk of lending to you.


Excellent Credit: Gateway to Low Rates

If your credit score is in the excellent range (typically 740 and above), you're in the most optimal position to secure the most favorable mortgage rates. Some loan products do have higher thresholds for FICO, so be sure to inquire with your lender. Lenders see individuals with excellent credit as low-risk borrowers, making them eligible for the lowest interest rates available in the market. Get a second opinion on what rate & terms are available for you from author and Mortgage professional, Ross Varahrami. He has been practicing in the industry for over a decade and it takes only about 5 mins to get a second opinion that could potentially save you thousands.


Good Credit: Competitive Rates Await

A good credit score (typically ranging from 680 to 739) is still considered favorable by most lenders. While not in the excellent category, a good credit score positions you as a reliable borrower. You can expect competitive mortgage rates, though they may be slightly higher than those offered to borrowers with excellent credit.


Fair Credit: The Middle Ground

A fair credit score (typically ranging from 620 to 679) places you in the middle ground. While you may still qualify for a mortgage, the interest rates offered might be higher than those available to borrowers with higher credit scores. Lenders may view individuals with fair credit as moderate-risk borrowers, resulting in slightly elevated interest rates.


Poor Credit: Challenges and Higher Rates

If your credit score falls below 580, you may face challenges in securing a mortgage. Lenders view individuals with poor credit as higher-risk borrowers, and obtaining a loan may be more difficult. If you do qualify, the interest rates are likely to be considerably higher, reflecting the increased risk associated with lending to individuals with lower credit scores. Keep in mind that there are different types of loans (FHA, VA, Conventional, etc.) and it's always good to get a second opinion to see what can be offered. Again, reach out to Ross Varahrami who has been practicing in the mortgage industry for 10+ years.


The Financial Impact:

The relationship between your credit score and mortgage rate has a tangible financial impact. Even a small difference in interest rates can translate to significant savings or costs over the life of your mortgage. For example, on a 30-year loan for $250,000, the difference between a 3% and 4% interest rate could amount to over $40,000 in additional interest payments. Keep in mind that this is only if you kept the loan for 30 years without refinancing. Most consumers in the lower FICO category will start with a less attractive loan and refinance 1-3 years down the line (once their credit is better) into a loan that would suit them better and save them more in interest in the long-haul.


Improving Your Credit Score:

If your FICO score is less than stellar, there are proactive steps you can take to improve it and potentially secure a more favorable mortgage rate:

  1. Review Your Credit Report: Obtain a copy of your credit report and review it for inaccuracies. Dispute any errors you find to ensure your credit score accurately reflects your financial history.

  2. Timely Payments: Pay all bills on time, as your payment history is a significant factor in your credit score.

  3. Reduce Outstanding Debt: Work on paying down existing debts to lower your credit utilization ratio to below 30% of your limit, positively impacting your credit score.

  4. Avoid Excessive Inquiries: Limit the number of new inquiries and credit accounts you open, as frequent credit inquiries can have a temporary negative impact on your score.

  5. Lengthen Credit History: Keep older credit accounts open, as a longer credit history can positively influence your credit score.

(Keep in mind that I am not a financial advisor, so please seek advice from your financial advisor.)


Seeking Professional Guidance:

Trying to figure out and dial in the most optimal credit score to obtain the best mortgage rate can get pretty overwhelming. Seeking guidance from a mortgage professional and/or financial advisor can provide valuable insights into your specific situation. Keep in mind that your FICO score is only one of the many risk factors that are impacting the mortgage rates that are being offered to you. An excellent mortgage professional like Ross Varahrami, can help you understand your credit score, explore potential financing options, and work towards securing a mortgage rate that aligns with your financial goals.


In the end, your FICO score is a powerful determinant of the mortgage rates available to you. Whether you're aiming for the lowest rates with excellent credit or navigating the challenges with a lower score, understanding this relationship empowers you to make informed financial decisions on your way to homeownership. As you start planning and working towards homeownership, remember that your credit score is not a fixed number – with strategic financial planning and management, you can positively impact it and position yourself for more favorable mortgage terms in the future!


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