A Good Credit Score Helps Combat Higher Interest Rates

A woman reviewing her credit report showing a good credit score of 765.

In its battle to tamp down inflation, the Federal Reserve has increased the interest rates banks charge each other, which ripples through other lending markets, including mortgages. Further increases are possible. Are you helpless in the face of these mortgage rate increases? Not necessarily if you maintain a good credit score. Here’s what you can […]

Single Women Making Their Place in the Housing Market

Attractive, cheerful wavy-haired female unpacking books as she moves into a modern loft. Shows trend of single women buying their own homes.

Women still face hurdles when it comes to equal pay and job opportunities. Even so, sales to single women home buyers outpace sales to single men. Here’s our guide to the implications of this growing trend. More single female home buyers than male Today, single women make up almost a fifth of home purchasers. Male […]

Don’t Let The COVID-19 Crisis Infect Your Credit

American flag and mask with sign of the Cares Act. Concept of how the relief affects a person's credit.

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched almost every aspect of our lives. Our personal finances are no exception. If you’ve lost your job or taken a pay cut, you may have trouble keeping up with your bills, which can damage your credit rating. Provisions of The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, however, offer […]

How Getting a Mortgage Affects Your Credit Score

Credit score financial payment rating budget money concept

Experts stress the importance of maintaining good credit before you apply for a mortgage. But after you get that mortgage and close on a new house, what happens to your credit score? Keep working hard on your credit score It takes years of acquiring and faithfully paying off smaller amounts of debt to build the […]

How to Score (and Keep) Good Credit

Good credit score report of 760 with calculator, glasses and pencil on table.

When shopping for a mortgage, one number, in particular, plays a major role — a good credit score. A higher number means you’ll be offered a lower interest rate, which means a more affordable mortgage. Here’s what you need to know about your credit score and a few tips on how to improve it. What […]

Top 4 Things a First-time Home Buyer Should Consider

Document with title First-time home buyer program.

Buying a home for the first time often constitutes a long-awaited dream. After completing a little bit of financial prep work, feel free to enjoy every minute of the house-hunting journey. Here are the top four items to take care of before the fun begins. 1. Your credit score. Lenders typically like a higher score, […]