Your credit profile directly affects your interest rate and loan options. In 2025, the average FICO score for closed mortgages is roughly 742, while many programs allow approvals down to 620 or lower with compensating factors. Knowing where you stand —and how to improve it— can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

🔍 How Scores Are Calculated

  • 35% Payment history (on-time record matters most)
  • 30% Credit utilization (balance-to-limit ratio)
  • 15% Length of credit history
  • 10% New inquiries or accounts
  • 10% Credit mix (installment + revolving)

📈 Improvement Timeline

Within 90 days you can often raise your score by 30–60 points through targeted actions:

  • Pay balances below 30% of credit limits.
  • Dispute inaccuracies with the bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
  • Set automatic payments to avoid future lates.
  • Keep older accounts open to show history.

💡 Pro Tip

VA and FHA programs tend to be more forgiving than conventional loans and use manual underwriting options if you’ve had a past credit event such as deployment-related delinquencies.

Need a credit review before you apply? 📞 (727) 301-7855 • ✉️ nikky@capstonerealestate.us