Proven Ways To Improve Your Credit Score

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.

Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Jasper, Dubois, Spencer, Martin and Davis counties and all of our surrounding areas. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, at Sell 4 Free Welsh Realty our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new homes every hour. By signing up for New Listing alerts you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale and get price change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the hottest deals!

Start your Home Search now

Popular Jasper Indiana Home Searches:

Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

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

Wonderful House in the Country with 10 Acres of Land. This Home has 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, and space for additional Bedrooms/Living Space. The House also has an attached 2 Car Garage and a detached Car Port. Enjoy the wrap around covered porch and also has a covered Sunroom. The trees and landscaping of the Home gives you all the Privacy you would want from a Country Home. The house also has a full unfinished basement. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. $387,500 Active

5180 S Patoka Rd. Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,344 SqFt 10 Acres

Listing courtesy of Larry Carpenter III from Carpenter Realty LLC.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1:00-3:00 This one story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is Move-In Ready! The walls have been painted a trendy, cool color, the carpets are freshly cleaned, and for your convenience all of the appliances, even the washer and dryer are included! Enjoy a snack at the kitchen bar or dinner gathered around the dining room table. Venture outdoors to enjoy the private, fenced backyard. The large yard features a concrete patio and is enclosed by a recently installed privacy fence...perfect for your furry friends. This home is in great condition, take a look for yourself. $159,700 Active

1713 Redbud Court Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,284 SqFt 0.210 Acres

Listing courtesy of STACEY THIEMAN-WRIGHT from THIEMAN REALTY.

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25th - 1:00-3:00 Check out this spiffy 1 1/2 story with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, main level laundry room and a detached garage! The wood floors have been professionally refinished, new laminate floors installed in the kitchen & main floor bath, and walls have been freshly painted. You'll enjoy the spacious rooms with high ceilings and beautiful windows. Located within walking distance of the library, post office, and all the happenings and eateries on Huntingburg's historic 4th Street. $153,500 Active

115 E 4th Street Huntingburg, Indiana

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,512 SqFt 0.130 Acres

Listing courtesy of STACEY THIEMAN-WRIGHT from THIEMAN REALTY.