When you’re contemplating the purchase of a home, your credit score becomes more than just a number—it’s a reflection of your financial reliability and can be the key to unlocking favourable mortgage terms.
- Obtain and Scrutinise Your Credit Report
Before you can improve your credit score, you must first understand where you currently stand. Australians are entitled to a free credit report annually from major credit reporting agencies. Request your report and comb through it meticulously for any inaccuracies or outdated information. Dispute any errors you find, as these can unjustly drag down your score.
- Pay Bills on Time
Your payment history is a significant component of your credit score. Ensure that you consistently pay all your bills on time, including utilities, phone contracts, and other recurring expenses. Setting up direct debits can help you avoid missing payments. Even a single late payment can leave a blemish on your credit history, so it’s paramount to maintain punctuality.
- Reduce Existing Debt
Lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio as an indicator of your ability to manage a new mortgage. Work on paying down existing debts, particularly high-interest credit cards. Aim to keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit limits. Demonstrating that you can manage debt responsibly will reflect positively on your credit score.
- Limit Credit Applications
Every time you apply for credit, a hard inquiry is recorded on your credit report. These inquiries can temporarily lower your score, so it’s wise to avoid applying for new credit cards or loans in the months leading up to your mortgage application. If you must apply for credit, do so sparingly and with consideration.
- Keep Old Credit Accounts Open
The length of your credit history can affect your credit score, with longer histories usually seen as more favourable. If you have old credit accounts with good repayment records, consider keeping them open. This can demonstrate your long-term financial stability to lenders.
- Diversify Your Credit Mix
Having a mix of different types of credit accounts, such as personal loans, credit cards, and car loans, can sometimes help your credit score by showing you can manage different types of credit. However, it’s crucial not to take on more credit than you can handle simply to improve your credit mix.
- Monitor Your Credit Score Regularly
Keep an eye on your credit score and report throughout the year. Monitoring your credit can help you catch and address issues quickly, as well as understand how your financial behaviour affects your score. There are various online services that allow you to check your credit score without impacting it.
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