📉 What’s the Minimum Credit Score to Qualify for a Mortgage?
🧾 How to Fix Credit Report Errors That Could Hurt Your Approval
Five fast moves that could add points where it matters most.
If you’re getting ready to apply for a mortgage — especially with less-than-perfect credit — even small score improvements can make a big difference.
👉 A higher score could mean:
- A lower interest rate
- A smaller down payment
- Better approval odds for FHA, Conventional, or Non-QM programs
The good news? You don’t need a year to fix your credit.
Here are five quick ways to boost your credit score in the next 30–60 days before applying.
✅ 1. Pay Down Credit Card Balances
Your credit utilization (how much of your credit limit you’re using) is one of the biggest factors in your score.
Aim to:
- Get balances below 30% of the credit limit
- Ideally, below 10% for a bigger boost
- Avoid closing accounts — just lower balances
📘 This alone can raise your score by 20–60+ points in a matter of weeks.
✅ 2. Dispute Inaccurate or Outdated Items
Many credit reports contain errors — and removing just one mistake can change your score.
Check for:
- Duplicate accounts
- Accounts that should be marked “paid”
- Collections that are medical and older than 7 years
- Fraudulent or unfamiliar activity
✅ You can file disputes online or with our help — and we can refer you to trusted credit partners if needed.
✅ 3. Become an Authorized User
If a family member has:
- A long-standing credit card
- With a low balance and perfect payment history
- And is willing to add you as an authorized user…
It could give you a boost in average account age and score stability.
💡 It doesn’t require them to give you a card — just their permission.
✅ 4. Stop Applying for New Credit (Now)
Hard inquiries can lower your score 3–10 points each — and more importantly, they can signal risk to lenders.
If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage:
- Avoid opening store cards, auto loans, or new credit lines
- Pause any “buy now, pay later” options
- Let your existing credit age and settle
📘 We recommend a 90-day “quiet period” before applying for a mortgage.
✅ 5. Settle or Pay Off Small Collections (The Right Way)
If you have small collections:
- Paying them may raise your score, but only if they’re reporting actively
- Ask the creditor for a “pay for delete” (in writing) before paying
- Prioritize non-medical and newer accounts if possible
Not all collections hurt equally — we’ll help you identify which ones actually matter to your loan approval.
🧠 Bonus Tip: Use a Mortgage-Friendly Credit Simulator
At PRMI, we offer:
- Soft credit pulls with no score impact
- Access to credit simulators that show what specific actions will boost your score fastest
- Advice on when to apply — and what to fix first
Don’t guess. We’ll show you the exact strategy to hit your goal.
🏢 Why PRMI?
We work with buyers in every credit situation — and help you:
- Qualify with FHA (as low as 580 or 500 with 10% down)
- Improve your score before applying
- Know what’s worth fixing — and what isn’t
- Access loan programs that fit your real-life financial journey
We help credit-challenged buyers win with the right plan — not just wait.
👇 Want a Fast Credit Boost Before Applying?
We’ll review your report, simulate quick improvements, and help you take the next step toward buying — even if your credit isn’t perfect yet.