These 4 Tips Can Improve Your Score by Up to 35%
đź“Š Why Payment History Matters
Your payment history is the #1 factor in your credit score, making up 35% of the total. Lenders want to see that you pay on time—every time. When you pay your bills late or miss payments, it sends up a red flag. It can hurt your score and make borrowing more expensive.
Late payments, charge-offs, bankruptcies, and judgments all lower your credit score. If you’ve had a bankruptcy in the past 7 years, it can have a serious effect on your ability to get a loan. Judgments and liens are also major credit killers. If you’ve had one, pay it off and request a “Satisfaction of Judgment” from the court.
🏠Why Mortgage Payments Matter Most
Not all payments weigh the same. Mortgage payments are critical. Even one late mortgage payment in the last year could hold up your approval or raise your rate. Other debts—like credit cards or auto loans—still matter, but lenders put the most trust in how you handle your home loan.
The scoring system also looks at how late your payments were (30, 60, or 90 days), if they were back-to-back, and if you’re currently behind. A single mistake won’t ruin you, but a pattern of late payments can stop you from reaching a 700+ score.
🔧 4 Credit Repair Tips That Work
Want to improve your score? Start with these proven steps:
1. Make Your Payments on Time
Pay everything by the due date—no exceptions. Set up reminders or auto-pay if needed.
2. Bring Delinquent Accounts Current
If anything is behind, fix it ASAP. Past-due accounts crush your score.
3. Avoid Collections
Don’t let bills go unpaid. Once they hit collections, it’s a long road back.
4. Monitor Your Credit Report
Check your report often. Dispute anything that looks wrong, and make sure your score reflects your real credit habits.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Good credit isn’t magic—it’s habitual responsibility. With consistent effort, you can raise your score and unlock better mortgage terms. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out for a free consultation.