Unlocking Possibilities. Inspiring Hope.

Understanding Credit and How to Improve Credit Score for a Mortgage

Your credit score plays a big role in your mortgage approval but it’s not the only thing that matters. At CLG, we take a full-picture approach to helping you qualify and get the best loan terms available.

This guide will explain how credit impacts your loan, what scores lenders look for, and what you can do to strengthen your financial profile.

Credit matters, but it’s not the whole story. We look at the full picture.

We believe everyone deserves access to homeownership — and that credit shouldn’t be a mystery.

Understanding Your Credit Score

We believe your credit score is just one part of your story — and we’re here to help you tell the whole story.

What Lenders Look For

Your credit score helps lenders evaluate your history of managing debt. The higher your score, the more likely you are to get better rates and more flexible terms. Understanding how to improve credit score for a mortgage is critical if you want to qualify for the best rate.

Here's What Matters Most

Payment history
Credit utilization (how much of your available credit you’re using)
Length of credit history
Types of credit used
New credit inquiries

What's a Good Credit Score?

While every lender has different guidelines, here’s a general breakdown:

760+ = Excellent
700–759 = Good
660–699 = Fair
620–659 = Borderline (minimum for many conventional loans)
Below 620 = Still possible (FHA or non-QM options may apply)

Understanding How to Improve Credit Score for a Mortgage

How to Improve Your Credit Before Applying

Pay bills on time, every time
Pay down existing credit card balances
Don’t open or close any major accounts right before applying
Dispute any known errors on your credit report
Keep old accounts open if possible (they boost your length of credit history)

What if I Have No Credit or Thin Credit?

If you’re just starting to build credit, or you haven’t used much of it, that’s okay. We have options for buyers with limited credit histories — and we’ll help you understand how to move forward.

We Believe in Possibility. We Believe in You.
Whether your credit is excellent, average, or needs some work — we’re here to help you take the next step toward homeownership.