3 Critical Steps To Protecting Your Credit Score

By Corrie Forcet, Realtor® of The Forcet Group | KW Suburban Tampa

1. Know ALL of Your Accounts:

Between student loans, car loans, mortgages, credit cards, and all the other lines of credit at your disposal, it’s sometimes hard to remember all of your accounts, but nothing could be more important. Knowing your accounts, and their statuses is the only way to know if someone opens or closes an account without your consent.

2. Monitor Your Scores:

That’s right, “scores.” There are three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax), each with its own scoring system. Different lenders trust different bureaus, so it’s important to know where you stand with each of them. It is recommended that individuals check their scores at least once a year with each bureau. Some decide to make an evaluation of their credit three times a year using the different bureau each check, while others check all three at one specific time a year. Whatever you decide, be certain to stay on top of your credit scores.

3. Read Your Reports:

While scores are a great gauge of your credit, reports are where you’ll see all the information each bureau uses for their calculations. By keeping a close eye on your reports, you’ll be able to address any suspicious activity before it gets out of hand.

Credit scores are the resting heart rate of your financial well-being. Keep them strong and steady, and you’ll land a favorable mortgage without breaking a sweat. Reach out to me if you have any questions or if you’re ready to start house hunting!