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.

1715 W Satinwood Drive Phoenix, AZ 85045

$640,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,904 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6721969
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the desirable Ahwatukee Foothills Club West! Step into this beautifully upgraded 5 bedroom home that immediately feels inviting, functional and spacious. Bedroom and full bathroom downstairs. Three separate living spaces including formal, family room and loft area. Open kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, gas range, and large island. 4 generously sized bedrooms and convenient laundry room upstairs. Primary bedroom with large closet & beautiful walk-in shower. Newer Pergo waterproof laminate flooring throughout! Enjoy the refreshing play pool with Baja shelf & table/umbrella stand, surrounded by travertine tile. Misters, pergola and artificial turf are a plus!. Great schools including highly accredited Kyrene Altadena! Transferable HVAC maintenance plan.

20293 N 83rd Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$640,000 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Fletcher Heights, Peoria
Open House
$640,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,634 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779384
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this STUNNING , recently updated home that combines modern elegance with comfort! As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the fresh, neutral paint and beautiful new flooring throughout downstairs. The spacious layout features a welcoming living area enhanced by ceiling fans and abundant natural light. The heart of the home is the impressive kitchen, complete with a large island, new white cabinets, new counter tops, stainless appliances, perfect for entertaining or casual meals. Adjacent to the kitchen, the inviting loft space offers additional room for relaxation or play. Retreat to the luxurious master suite, which boasts dual sinks in the bathroom for added convenience and privacy. Step outside to the large covered back patio, an ideal spot for outdoor gatherings or pe or peaceful mornings. The sparkling pool is a fantastic addition, perfect for cooling off on hot days and enjoying the sunshine. Don't miss the chance to make this beautifully updated property your own! MUST SEE!!!

20461 W Briarwood Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$640,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Verrado Phase 3 South Phase C, Buckeye
Open House
$640,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,514 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771287
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this stunning 2,514 sq ft home in the heart of the Verrado. Built in 2017, this beautifully updated property offers 3 bedrooms, a den, and 2 bathrooms. The spacious, open-concept floor plan features a gourmet kitchen with an oversized island, white staggered cabinets, and plenty of space for entertaining. The home has new carpet, fresh paint, and a backyard with newly planted trees, making it feel brand new. Outside, enjoy your private heated pool and built-in spa, perfect for year-round relaxation. A 3-car garage and owner's entry with extra storage add to the home's functionality. Located near several parks and Verrado's community pool, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in one of Buckeye's most sought after neighborhoods.

12733 W Banyan Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$639,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,890 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6759547
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your Sun City West 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom oasis! Are you looking for 2 master suites, golf course lot, split floorplan & a fully updated home? We got all that for you and more! Enjoy coming home and entertaining in your gorgeous kitchen with an oversized island that is open to your dining room & family room. Soft close cabinetry. Dual sided fireplace compliment living spaces and give a gorgeous focal point. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout home. Bathrooms have fantastic upgrades including stunning tile, cabinetry & fixtures. 2 car garage with attached cabinets. New roof. Dual pane windows. Come see all the home & community have to offer!

1438 W Coral Reef Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$639,995
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,289 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6726941
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
PREMIUM WATERFRONT W/EXPANSIVE LAKESIDE VIEWS! One of the best lots; wth extended & private dock to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, evening boat cruises or morning kayak trips, fishing too, and steps from the community pool! Inside, dramatic soaring ceilings greet you. Kitchen w/updated cabinets, , stainless-steel appliances, RO system. Convenient half bath downstairs and under-stair storage. Your oversized main suite features multiple upgrades & Balcony w/ Lake views 2 other upstairs bedrooms have balconies, PLUS loft Acts as a perfect bonus room. ,2 new HVAC, . Abundant community amenities & events. Bike to Downtown Gilbert. COME LIVE THE SWEET LIFE

37565 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,240 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699191
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to luxury, Maricopa! It's time we embrace the magnificence of new home construction previously seen in Scottsdale and the East Valley. Introducing the captivating Sedona floorplan, offering both a flexible activity room and a media room to suit your lifestyle. Your expansive gourmet kitchen is adorned with stacked cabinetry, buffet-style lowers, a gas cooktop, and double ovens. Retreat to your indulgent Ultra Spa Shower, entertain on the patio, or access your recreational gear from the THREE CAR GARAGE! Ready for immediate Move-In! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

18956 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$639,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,561 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739341
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the very popular Cinnabar floor plan with 4 bedrooms + study, 3.5 baths and a 3 car tandem garage. Multi slide door off the great room. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. 8' gate on garage side of home. Kitchen upgrades includes - stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop and canopy hood. Sonoma Linen-off white cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers. DT White Ice G238 granite countertop with enhanced kitchen island, undermount single bowl kitchen sink. Flooring includes 7x 24 plank tile in all areas of the home except beds/baths. 5'' baseboards throughout and 3 1/4'' door casings. Dual sink at bath 2, soft water loop, garage service door that leads out to the backyard and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

18938 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$639,990
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,561 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6739870
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the very popular Cinnabar with 4 bedrooms + study, formal dining, 2.5 baths. This home is stunning with a multi slide door off the great room that leads out to the covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and hood. Barnett maple Boulder-gray cabinets with 42 kitchen uppers. Pull out trash drawer with two bins. Stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen and owner's bath. Upgrade flooring includes DT Broxburn Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' baseboards. Dual sinks at bath 2 and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

7593 W Smoketree Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$639,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767735
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new community in North Peoria! This stunning single story home offers 2,150 sq ft of functional living space. It features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, den, and a 3-car tandem garage. The open concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features a large Island, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances with gas range. It also offers our Timeless Palette which includes white painted 42'' cabinets, ivory quartz kitchen countertops, arctic white kitchen backsplash, and 6x24 wood looking plank tile in all the common areas. The great room offers a 4-panel center sliding glass door so you can step out into your covered patio to enjoy indoor/outdoor living in your backyard with friends and family. Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment!

37520 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,240 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695735
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rancho Mirage 23 offers new single-family luxury homes in the fast-growing city of Maricopa, with access to neighborhood parks, walking paths and a community fishing lake. This incredible single-story home features 3,240 square feet, a tandem 3-car garage and 10' ceilings. The kitchen is decked out with stacked cabinetry, gourmet appliances and quartz countertops. The split floorplan is perfect for a family with 3 of the bedrooms adjacent to the Activity Room. Ready for immediate move-in! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

37627 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,240 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6704039
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Introducing luxury living, Maricopa! Step into the allure of this Sedona floorplan, offering both a versatile activity room and a convenient home office. Your expansive gourmet kitchen boasts stacked cabinetry, buffet-style lowers, a gas cooktop, and double ovens for culinary perfection. Unwind in your luxurious freestanding tub, entertain on the patio, or store your belongings in the spacious THREE CAR GARAGE! Discover why K. Hovnanian stands as the epitome of Lasting Value in homebuilding. Don't miss your chance to move into this home now! Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

913 W Juanita Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$639,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,232 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787659
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A wonderful family home in an extremely desirable Gilbert's Cooper Ranch family friendly neighborhood! The conveniences of Gilbert's excellent schools, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and access to freeways are unmatched and close by - Open, bright and light with tile throughout - Soaring ceilngs in the living areas - A private office/den downstairs - 4 Bed/3 BA/3 Car Garage - Large and private mature backyard with a patio - Landscaped, lush and green yards - Awesome curb appeal!