Credit preparation before a mortgage conversation.

Focus on the fundamentals

The CFPB recommends paying on time, keeping balances low relative to available credit, applying only for credit you need and checking reports for errors. You do not need to carry a credit-card balance to build a good score.

These are general practices, not a formula for a particular score increase. No checklist can promise that a specific action will move you into a mortgage pricing tier by a certain date.

CFPB: Get and keep a good credit score ↗

Bring questions, not a target-score promise

Tell Luke your home-financing goal, timing and any concern you want to discuss. A score displayed by a consumer app may not be the score used in a particular mortgage review; ask which report and model the program uses.

Do not assume that a quoted score means approval or a specific rate. The property, documentation, requested financing and other program requirements still need review.

Keep the first step manageable

You can start with a conversation before sending documents. Explain whether you are preparing well in advance or have a contract deadline. Do not enter a Social Security number or upload a credit report in the public inquiry.

• Review reports for information you do not recognize
• Note recent account changes you want to discuss
• Ask about the timing and authorization for any credit review