🐾 Top 5 Credit Score Factors: What Lenders Sniff Out First

Hey fur-iends! Becky here—your tail-waggin’ Barketing Manager at A Notch Above Group. If you’re dreaming about buying a home, you’ve probably heard that your credit score is a big deal.

And it’s true.
Your credit score is like your financial leash—it helps lenders decide how far (and how fast) they’re willing to go to help you fetch a mortgage.

The better your score, the more tail-waggin’ perks you get:
✅ Lower interest rates
✅ Better loan terms
✅ Less stress and more treats left in your budget

But here’s the real scoop:
Credit scores aren’t pulled out of a treat jar.
They’re based on a few key things that lenders sniff out first.

Let’s break down the Top 5 Credit Score Factors—so you know exactly what to work on before applying for a loan!

1. 🕒 Your Payment History (a.k.a. “Do you pay your treats on time?”)

This is the #1 factor in your credit score—paws down.

Lenders want to see a proven track record of paying bills on time. That includes credit cards, loans, and even some utilities. One late payment can make your score sit and stay...in the wrong direction.

Becky’s Tip:
Set up autopay or calendar reminders to avoid any oopsies!

2. 💳 The Amount You Owe (also called “Credit Utilization”)

If your paws are stretched across a bunch of credit cards or loans, lenders may think you’re biting off more than you can chew.

Ideally, you want to use less than 30% of your total available credit.

Example:
Got a $10,000 limit? Try to keep your balance under $3,000 to stay in the sweet spot.

Becky’s Tip:
Pay down balances—especially before applying for a mortgage.

3. 🐕‍🦺 Length of Credit History (aka “How long have you been walking the financial trail?”)

The longer your credit history, the more info lenders have to sniff out your habits. Even if you’re responsible now, a longer track record gives them more confidence.

Becky’s Tip:
Don’t close old accounts unless you have to. That long leash helps your score!

4. 📦 New Credit You’ve Acquired

Opening a bunch of new credit cards or loans in a short time? That can raise red flags for lenders. It might look like you’re trying to stockpile treats too fast.

Becky’s Tip:
Avoid opening new accounts right before applying for a mortgage. Keep things calm and steady like a good sit-and-stay.

5. 🧾 Types of Credit You Have in Use (a.k.a. “Mix It Up!”)

Lenders like to see a healthy mix of credit—like a credit card or two, a car loan, or a student loan. It shows you can manage different types of borrowing.

Becky’s Tip:
If your report looks a little “bare bones,” don’t panic—but keep building good habits over time with responsible use of credit.

🐾 The Bottom Line: Good Credit = More Home Fetchin’ Power

Whether you're planning to buy now or just starting to sniff around the market, keeping your credit strong gives you more options, more leverage, and way fewer surprises along the way.

Treat your credit score like a prized chew toy—protect it, check in on it, and don’t let it get shredded.

📲 Not sure where to start? We’ve got your back!

Our team can connect you with trusted local lenders who’ll help you review your credit and prep for success—no pressure, just support.

🐾 Like our page to stay in the loop on all things North Country real estate and to see what wild, wacky, or wonderful day I’m celebrating next! 🎉

🔁 Share my posts to help your friends fetch their dream home—or protect their credit score from going belly-up.

💬 Got questions about buying or selling? Slide into our DMs—I’ve got a whole team of humans ready to help you every step of the way (I supervise, of course). 🐶

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