Proven Ways To Improve Your Credit Score

Published On: June 7, 2019|Categories: Blog, Jasper IN Real Estate, Mortgages|

More lenders are looking at your VantageScore. This is an alternative way to judge your credit and is the main competition for the FICO scoring method. Your VantageScore works in line with each of the three main reporting agencies, so it is seamless. If you find that your  VantageScore is less than your goal score, there are ways to improve it.

Obviously, paying your bills on time is the strongest influencer on your VantageScore, but there are other ways to improve it too. Don’t open lines of credit too frequently. Keep your outstanding balances low compared to the limit that you are afforded. Try to keep all your balances below 30 percent of the limit that each credit line will allow you to keep. Try not to have too much debt. If you want to improve your VantageScore, try paying down some of your loans when you can.

Try to have a mix of accounts in your credit history. Don’t let all accounts be credit cards. An auto loan paid on time over time can improve your score.

Also,  check your credit report for errors. Check each of the three reporting agencies for mistakes. You are entitled to a free credit report each year from all three national credit reporting agencies from annualcreditreport.com. It’s a great way to check in to see where you stand. You can also do more frequent checks by getting a credit report directly from one agency at a time every four months. That way, you won’t have to wait to get a good idea of what’s going on with your credit report. Each credit reporting company has a system in place to fix any errors on your report. The three companies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

You should know that when you check your credit report for errors, it doesn’t impact your score the way it does if you have a lender check your credit.

When you look at your scores, you will also find information that explains what factors are affecting your scores the most.  When you address these, you’ll see your scores increase too. It will take time, but it will happen.

Remember, pay especially close attention to your payment history and make sure you are paying your bills on time. Also, pay close attention to your credit utilization ratios and keep it under 30 percent as we explained above. Together these two factors can represent about 70 percent of your score, so they are crucially important. For example, if you find that your credit report shows that you paid your Kohls card late, it’s worth calling Kohls to see if they will change the report if you actually did pay it on time.

Remember, having a higher credit score offers you many benefits including lower interest rates on your mortgage when you finally find your dream home. So, if you’re thinking about buying a new home, it’s imperative that you check in with your credit history and check it for accuracy.

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Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

View the newest homes listed in Dubois County in the last 10 days:

Situated on a .31 acre lot is this 1000 sq. ft. all brick home. Features include 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms. There is also a 1 car attched garage and rear patio. This is a fixer upper being sold "as is". Included in the sale is the range, refrigerator, washer and dryer. $110,000 Pending

1236 W Todd Lane Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,000 SqFt 0.31 Acres

Listing courtesy of Gary Schnell from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Check out this beautiful, modern home in the gorgeous neighborhood of Deer Creek Park. Walk into this updated eat-in kitchen that extends into a wonderful living room equipped with a gas log fireplace. Off the kitchen you'll find a mud room connected to the garage with a half bath and the large laundry room. The three-car stacked garage is large enough for your vehicles, lawnmower, other lawn equipment, and other storage. Upstairs are the master suite and three more bedrooms. The spacious master suite boasts an updated bathroom and large walk-in closet. Two of the other three bedrooms also have walk in closets, and upstairs there is another updated bathroom. Downstairs there is a bonus room, bathroom, large living area great for entertaining, and a rec-room great for storage. New roof in October 2024 and 10' x 20' shed added May 2025. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own this gorgeous home! $630,000 Active

39 Hannah Lane Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,834 SqFt 1.65 Acres

Listing courtesy of Nathan Hanselman from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Come see this cute ranch style home conveniently located in a quiet cul-de-sac in town. This home boasts three bedrooms and two full baths. The kitchen wall has been fitted with a large window to the living room to give the perception of an open space. The former garage was converted into a large studio/in-law suite complete with full bathroom and additional kitchen. The property is completed with a great flat yard space in the back with a 10x12 yard barn. $195,000 Active

479 S Carroll Drive Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,296 SqFt 0.21 Acres

Listing courtesy of Nathan Hanselman from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.