Worried about Your FICO Score? 4 Easy Strategies to Fix It Up

Worried about Your FICO Score? 4 Easy Strategies to Fix It UpIf you’re worried about your bad credit, you’ll want to do everything in your power to improve your rating as quickly as possible – especially if you have a major purchase coming up. Improving your credit rating can give you access to better interest rates on mortgages or even help you to get that job you’re after.

IMPORTANT! If you are currently involved in a home loan transaction, speak with your trusted real estate advisor before taking any action regarding your credit!

So how can you boost your FICO score quickly and easily? Here’s what you need to know.

Get Your Credit Report And Dispute Any Errors

Credit reporting agencies don’t always keep 100% perfect records, and there’s a good chance that your credit report contains at least one error. One recent FTC study found that 25% of consumers have an error on their credit report, and that in 5% of cases, the errors were actually severe enough to impact the loan terms that borrowers were able to negotiate.

You can get your annual credit report from all three credit reporting agencies for free. Carefully read over it. If you see any errors – if your name is misspelled, if they have the wrong address on file, or if there are late or unpaid charges that you didn’t make – you can dispute the items in question.

Still Overdue? Negotiate Payment Terms With Your Creditors

If you’re overdue on a payment, it will weigh heavily on your credit score. As your payment history makes up a full 35% of your FICO score, this is one area where you’ll want to invest a great deal of time and effort.

Contact any creditors you owe money to and ask if you can negotiate your bill. The ideal outcome for you is to have the creditor report your debt as paid in full, so see if you can secure that promise in writing in exchange for an accelerated payment schedule.

Try Maintaining A Lower Utilization Ratio

Your utilization ratio refers to the amount of credit you use at any given time. If this number goes beyond 30 percent, you’ll start to see your credit score drop. Ideally, you should aim for a utilization ratio below 10 percent – this will prove to your lender that you can responsibly pay for the credit you use.

Have Recurring Bills? Automate Your Payments

Automating your monthly payments can be a great way to boost your credit score. Whether it’s your mortgage, your credit card, or your student loan, a pre-authorized monthly payment will ensure that everything gets paid on time and give you a great credit history.

Your FICO score is a number that will determine your eligibility for mortgages and other loans. These are general tips to help with your credit score and improve the overall reporting of your credit.

4255 E Washington Court Gilbert, AZ 85234

$649,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,387 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6773726
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Ashton Woods home is nestled in the highly desirable community of Highland Groves at Morrison Ranch and has brand new carpets throughout, updated bathrooms and so much more! The lower level boasts a spacious living room/dining room, then flows into the great room ideal for gatherings. Downstairs you will also find the kitchen that is equipped with shiny stainless-steel appliances, a new large capacity refrigerator, tons of updated white cabinetry, granite countertops, a cozy island, breakfast bar, walk-in pantry and don't forget about the laundry room and half bathroom. Upstairs is an oversized loft with plenty of space for family relaxing, playtime or even a home office. The 4 bedrooms upstairs are spacious and both bathrooms upstairs have been newly updated. The amenities don't stop there...step into the backyard to relax in the sparkling pool with covered patio and extended pavers...the perfect spot for hosting backyard barbecues. Not only does the house have everything you need, but the neighborhood also has tree-lined streets, lakes, fountains, playgrounds and pickleball/tennis courts. Plus, you can't get any better with the location - close to the Loop 202 & US 60, as well as tons of Gilbert's best restaurants and shops! Don't miss out on this gem being your new home!

41160 W Almira Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$649,900
5 Beds
4 Baths
3,215 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6783057
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 4 bath home with all the upgrades on a huge 15,000+ sq. ft. lot! Plank tile throughout, large granite island, gourmet kitchen and ceramic tile backsplash. Make your way through the 16 foot Arcadia door to the professionally designed backyard complete w/heated, salt water pool w/water feature, travertine decking and turf. Insulated 3 car tandem garage includes charging for electric vehicles. This home has it all!

520 S Brett Street Gilbert, AZ 85296

$649,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,159 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783196
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful home with POOL in Finley Farms! Sits on a corner lot, backing to a common area. Displaying a great curb appeal & a 2-car garage w/extended driveway, Telsa charger and newer roof! Home exudes elegance with surround sound, natural light, designer paint, tile & epoxy floors in common areas, and new carpet in bedrooms. You'll LOVE the formal living room, cozy den, & separate family room w/media niche! The impressive updated kitchen has new SS appliances, granite counters, tile backsplash, ample white cabinets, & a center island. Main bedroom has ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. The backyard is designed for year-round enjoyment! It features a covered patio, artificial turf, fireplace, sail shades, storage shed, & a sparkling pool w/waterfall. Just WOW

1720 E La Donna Lane Tempe, AZ 85283

$649,900
5 Beds
2 Baths
2,290 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787784
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Million dollar finishes and old world style. No gray here, lol. Step into extravagance. Discover luxury and comfort in this expansive home, designed for entertaining and relaxation by an international artist. The huge gourmet kitchen boasts ample counter space, perfect for culinary creations and family gatherings. Five split bedrooms offer privacy and versatility, while timeless travertine stone floors add elegance throughout. Step outside to your private oasis: a resort-like backyard featuring a sparkling pool, raised garden bed for your dinner herbs, and plenty of space for outdoor living. This property combines style, functionality, and the ultimate in leisure. Make this dream home your reality today! Less than 25 minutes to ASU, perfect also for Air bnb or Luxury rental.

2408 W Crimson Terrace Phoenix, AZ 85085

$649,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,252 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6697417
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
4% LOAN ASSUMPTION AVAILABLE! Fabulous 4 bed (plus den & loft) 3 bath two-story home in the family friendly Carefree Crossing. Low HOA is a plus! Nice curb appeal w/ stacked stone accents, desert landscaping & large, healthy shade tree. Great floor plan w/ neutral paint, soaring ceilings & updated lighting/fixtures. Living room/dining room greet you, along w/ versatile French door entry office to your right. Perfect for home office or game/playroom if desired. Family room w/ built in buffet area makes perfect bar space. Open kitchen has plenty of cabinet space, SS appliances & island w/ raised bar top great for serving or extra seating. Breakfast area w/ bay windows looking out to backyard. Downstairs primary room has private sliders to backyard & bathroom w/ dual sinks, seated vanity, soaking tub, glass shower, private toilet, linen pantry & walk-in closet w/ built-in shelving. Second bedroom downstairs is a plus. Upstairs you will find the massive, versatile loft & the other two bedrooms, (one w/ delightful window seat) & a full bathroom w/ dual sinks. Backyard has large, covered patio w/ extended pavers, shade ramada, grassy area & raised planter perimeter, along w/ another great shade tree. Residents are very close to shopping areas to both the north & south & have quick, easy access to I-17. Come check it out today!

18547 W Oregon Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$649,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,988 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6704866
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FREE 2-1 BUYDOWN IN THIS RV FRIENDLY COMMUNITY!! Charming and very gently lived in 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home. This bright and inviting floorplan offers updated faux barn wood plank style tile flooring throughout the entire first floor, a beautifully updated kitchen complete with butler's pantry and upgraded stainless steel appliances, upgraded french door overlooking the lush green back yard, upstairs offers a spacious laundry room for convenience, 3 generously sized guest rooms and a very large master retreat with spacious en suite and his and hers walk in closets. But wait, there's more, also featuring a 3 car tandem garage, RV gate and parking, storage shed, 11,000+sqft lot, large covered patio, fire pit and garden area, this home truly offers something for everyone....don't miss out

5803 N 88th Lane Glendale, AZ 85305

$649,900
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,018 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6740942
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in Glendale, near the Cardinals Stadium and Westgate. This stunning residence offers five spacious bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, providing comfort for the entire family. You'll love the elegant design and modern upgrades throughout. The main floor features a grand open-concept living area, perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances and sleek countertops. Upstairs, a large loft offers versatile space for a home office or playroom. Each bedroom is designed for comfort, offering a peaceful retreat. Inspected and approved by Inspector CYFY Home Inspections, this property meets high standards of quality and safety. Don't miss the chance to own this exceptional home!

1246 S Sunnyvale -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$649,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,783 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743315
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**PRICE IMPROVEMENT** Fall in love with this large 4BR home from the minute you step inside; the immaculate and inviting interior is sure to make you smile! It's easy to picture yourself enjoying this lovely home with its inviting, open floorplan featuring vaulted ceilings and large windows that draw in the natural light, lighted niches, generous secondary bedrooms with plantation shutters, a lovely master suite with a spacious bathroom featuring dual sinks, separate shower & tub, and large walk-in closet. This home is move-in ready with a new professionally painted interior, brand new contemporary ceiling fans and updated fixtures in the main living areas. Two large living areas invite you to entertain friends or enjoy time with your family. A beautiful, upgraded kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and recessed lighting, direct access to the covered patio via French doors, a large laundry room and a 3-car garage with Epoxy coated floors are just a few of the things that make this home special and livable. The low-maintenance landscaping will free up your time for fun with friends and family, and the home is within walking distance to elementary and junior high schools. DON'T MISS this rare opportunity to snag a gem in Mesa's coveted STONEGATE ESTATES!

15758 S Maui Circle Arizona City, AZ 85123

$649,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,039 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6744179
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this exquisite custom waterfront home with a fully self-contained casita! Nestled in a peaceful cul-de-sac, offering both privacy and luxury living. Main house features an expansive chef-inspired kitchen with a massive island. Enjoy the split floor plan, high ceilings, and a fully enclosed Arizona room with breathtaking water views. The fully self-contained Casita is perfect for guests or multigenerational living, with its own living area, full kitchen, and a private back patio overlooking the water. This one-of-a-kind property combines elegant design, functionality, and serene waterfront living in a highly sought-after location. The spacious, move-in-ready design is complemented by low-maintenance landscaping, apex garage with ample storage adds to the home's convenience. This home also boasts an additional section with private entry, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Don't miss the opportunity to make this stunning property your new home!

805 W Zane Grey Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$649,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,900 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745886
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully remodeled home in the heart of Payson! Bright open floorplan welcomes you to a great room that that flows into the custom kitchen with granite countertops, ample cabinets, plus a large kitchen island. Main level offers a split floor plan with a large master suite, full bathroom, walk-in closet, and deck access, plus 2 additional bedrooms and a full bathroom! The lower level has a large family room, additional bedroom, full bathroom plus a HUGE 5th Bedroom/Bonus Room with it's own private entrance. Backyard has a covered deck is fully fenced. This home is in a cul-de-sac with NO HOA, near Rumsey Park. MUST SEE to get the full layout and experience! Pictures do not do this home justice! Please See Floorplan & Video

26647 W Covey Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$649,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,736 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746036
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A stunning FURNISHED Voyage floor plan, where elegance & comfort converge. Enter through a private courtyard featuring a custom wrought iron gate & tranquil fountain. Inside you're greeted by warm hardwood flooring & soaring 10-foot ceilings, creating a welcoming & spacious atmosphere. The gourmet kitchen boasts chiseled granite countertops, perfectly complemented by faux wood beams & equipped with a oversized walk-in pantry. A stone-walled foyer adds a touch of sophistication, while the media wall offers an ideal space for entertainment. An impressive owner's suite features dual spacious walk-in closets. Interior arches add a unique architectural flair. Enjoy the convenience of a golf cart garage, along w/ the luxury of a covered patio & a cozy gas fire pit. Recent exterior paint ensures this home is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.

249 E Grandview Street Mesa, AZ 85201

$649,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,559 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756270
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare opportunity to own a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the highly sought-after Hohokam Village neighborhood with no HOA! This inviting home features an open floor plan, perfect for entertaining, with a cozy fireplace in the great room. Recent updates include brand new flooring throughout, fresh interior paint, and upgraded bathrooms. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pebble tec pool, a large covered patio, and lush landscaping. Additional recent improvements include roof and pool repairs, along with new hardware throughout. Don't miss out on this gem!