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.

4106 W Eli Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$590,005
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,762 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748793
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Pacific plan offers space for the entire family. This home features 4 bedrooms upstairs with a guest bedroom downstairs. A perfect retreat for long-term guests. The spacious kitchen offers ample counter space and opens to the great room for ideal entertaining. Custom interior finishes include: matte granite countertops, shaker cabinets, custom kitchen backsplash, and natural wood-look tile flooring in all the right places.

35713 N 32nd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85086

$590,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,061 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741668
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home! This Stunning Split Floor plan 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in the highly sought-after community of Tramonto and features an eat in kitchen with granite countertops, beautiful Maple cabinets with plenty of storage, wine rack built in, upgraded backsplash and Stainless appliances with New Dishwasher, fixtures and hardware throughout. Primary Suite has a large remodel spa like ensuite with new tile, new double sinks, free standing tub & walk-in shower and large walk-in closet. New interior and exterior paint. New luxury vinyl plank flooring, tall baseboards, new light fixtures, fans and LED recessed ceiling lights and new outlets/switches. Second bath is fully remodeled with a new tub, tile, vanity, mirror and much more. Park all your toys in the third garage or wander outside and discover new landscaping, pavers and a covered patio perfect for al fresco dining. Enjoy the community's amenities including walking paths, a children's playground, and a sparkling pool and spa. With its superb location close to schools and every modern convenience, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience for your discerning lifestyle. Prime location near I-17 & Loop 303 freeways, making commuting a breeze. Ideal for those connected to the nearby TSMC plant or seeking proximity to Lake Pleasant. Corner lot with North/ South exposure. This is a must see!!! Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer stay.

1047 W Elna Rae Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$590,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,480 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769188
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NO HOA!! Remodeled 5 bd/3 bath located in the heart of Tempe features open and bright layout with new flooring throughout, new granite countertops, new light fixtures, and new paint. Located near ASU, Tempe Beach Park, the Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Botanical Gardens, Sky Harbor International Airport - and easy to get to!

1365 W Laguna Azul Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$590,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,074 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765770
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Have you been looking for your forever home in Dobson Ranch with over a 10,000 sq ft lot? If so look no more, this home is completely remodeled from top to bottom. Recent upgrades include renovated bathrooms, dual pane windows, massive security gate, electrical service panels in the garage, newly installed Ho2 system, sliders, drop ceiling removed to give you actual space in the living areas, new kitchen with custom cabinets, stainless appliances and high grade quartz counters. The master is oversized with own access to courtyard. Come check out all this home has to offer. This home is located in the prestigious Dobson Ranch Subdivision with community pool, many activities, close to freeway access, shops, restaurants and so much more.

9112 S 15th Way Phoenix, AZ 85042

$590,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,214 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780934
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
What a RARE find! Located in the gated Montana Vista Estates, this beautiful 3-bedroom home will leave you in awe. Its charm starts with a manicured landscape & a 3-car garage w/paver driveway. Fabulous interior features abundant natural light, archways, neutral paint, and stone tile flooring w/carpet in bedrooms. You'll LOVE the separate living room & a formal dining room w/wood-look floors! The gourmet kitchen boasts granite counters, recessed lighting, a pantry, wood cabinetry, a large island, a breakfast bar, and SS appliances w/cooktop gas. Main bedroom has an ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. The spacious back & side yards offer a fireplace and two covered patios. This gem also sits on a corner lot by the Community gate, with mountain views! Just WOW!

17899 W Mountain Sky Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$590,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,139 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786759
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 2023 NEW BUILD, Barely lived in 2,138 sqft, 3 Bed/2 Bath Maestro in the gated Cantamia community includes a spacious TRUE huge 3-car extended-epoxied garage, coveted North/South exposure, and a home office which crescendo into a stylish living space. Upgraded kitchen with quartz countertops, cabinetry, and top of the line GE Café appliances accent this stylish retreat. The luxurious primary ensuite includes dual vanities, ample sized walk in shower, and a custom walk-in closet. The orchestrated chicness continues as you step from your open-concept modern home through the 12' upgraded slider to a backyard professionally curated with artificial turf and paver patios to enjoy the outdoors. This barely lived in beauty is waiting for you .Come See it TODAY!

1258 W Plane Tree Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$590,000 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Ironwood Crossing Unit 3c 2012081598, San Tan Valley
New
$590,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,881 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787613
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss this 5 bedroom/3 bath home located in the sought after community of Ironwood Crossing. This home features a desirable open concept floor plan with tons of natural light and OWNED SOLAR PANELS!!!. The gourmet kitchen has an oversized island with seating, granite countertops, beautiful upgraded cabinetry, gas cooktop, and a walk in pantry. Large primary bedroom boasts a huge walk in closet, dual sinks and a separate tub and shower. All secondary bedrooms are spacious and have a walk-in closet. Guest bedroom has it's own wing with a bath that has a walk in shower. This home also has a separate den/office and a generous backyard with a covered patio. Community offers pools/spas, clubhouse, pickleball courts, splash pads, playgrounds, basketball & volleyball courts!

7243 E Nopal Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$590,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,352 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775119
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New roof with a 20 yr warranty on this 4 bed / 3 bath with den spacious home. Vaulted ceilings in front room, new flooring in the den and all upstairs. The Kitchen has an eat-in area, a breakfast bar with a new kitchen sink, new faucet, new disposal, new plumbing, new appliances with a gas range, new ceiling LED kitchen lights and the cabinets have new sliders. Laundry room has new built-ins for extra storage. New windows with transferable warranty in the master suite & master bathroom. The other three spacious bedrooms have new closet built-ins. Fully remodeled bathrooms & new tile floors. The pool has been resurfaced, new pump filter, new back patio cover, and misters. New court yard & front landscape are completely remodeled with new turf, plants, pavers a new side gate and RV gate!

1144 Christopher Creek Loop Payson, AZ 85541

$590,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,392 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742443
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beat summer heat with a mountain retreat, or perhaps have a white Christmas! TWO HOMES on over TWO ACRES of tall pines (303-10-107A and 107B) & national forest on 2 sides! Versatile property, & a rare opportunity for a four-season get-away or as a rental property. Classic mountain cabin + guest cottage are located right on the loop in Christopher Creek, less than 2 mi on the adjacent forest road up to the spring-fed headwaters! It's a gorgeous area for hiking, picnicking, & fishing (seasonal bi-weekly stocking w/trout,etc). Unique main home has a master bedroom with an amazing view from the balcony, as well as an add'l loft area. Open style floorplan, with oak floors & large windows on three sides for plenty of natural light; there's a woodstove to cozy up to on cool evenings. CLICK: Custom bath features stone and glass brick walls & loads of storage; separate laundry room. Kitchen has an island with granite countertops, & the large decks (over 700 s.f.) in front & back offer the perfect setting for relaxation, entertaining, and watching the wildlife that meander through. Darling studio-style cottage provides additional space for overflow, guests, or tenants, complete with its own kitchenette and a bath with shower. This property is on a shared well, with this listing owning two of the three shares; further, the neighbor who owns a third share has drilled his own and has never hooked into this well. It's a rare opportunity to enjoy a secluded but conveniently located piece of paradise, right in the middle of the most beautiful forest in Arizona, with unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing, and more. Treat yourself to a beautiful drive, and come check it out! Seller and listing agents are related.

504 N 297th Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$590,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,850 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746288
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New Build Dream Home! Completion date early December 2024. Large 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-car garage on a 1-acre corner lot. Open Floor plan with large great room and eat in kitchen. Custom shaker cabinets with soft close drawer and doors. Spacious master suite with double sinks, quartz counter tops, walk in closet, private entrance to the covered patio.

16048 W Mercer Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$590,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,451 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6715329
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Check out the Great Curb Appeal at this Nice 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3451 sq. ft., 3 car garage home in Greer Ranch South, Surprise, AZ. New carpeting and interior paint. Low maintenance front yard leads you to the front door. Vaulted ceilings and large rooms greet your entry to this home along with a spacious open eat-in kitchen granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and ample cabinet space. Looking for a formal dining space? Found! Relax and hide in the Great Room downstairs or the spacious upstairs Media Room. Large Primary Suite with a large walk in closet, private bath with separate shower and tub. The backyard includes a covered patio and a pool to keep you cool. This could be your next ''New To You'' home.

19233 W Coolidge Street Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$590,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,649 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6715943
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Welcome to Your New Home!** This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of luxury and functionality, featuring a full apartment casita with its own private entrance, ideal for guests, extended family or rental income. Highlights include: - **Spacious Main House:** Open floor plan with a bright and airy living space, modern kitchen, and elegant finishes throughout. - **Private Apartment Casita:** Self-contained unit with a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, perfect for extended family or rental potential. - **3-Car Garage:** Ample space for vehicles, storage, and hobbies. - **Completed Backyard:** Beautifully landscaped for relaxation and entertainment. - **Installed Solar Panels:** Enjoy significant savings on your energy bills and contribute to a greener planet. Located close to top-rated schools, shopping, and recreational facilities, this home offers convenience and comfort in one package. Don't miss out on this rare find! Contact us today to schedule a viewing and make this exceptional property yours.