Mortgage FICO
Command Center

Mortgage lenders do not use the same credit score you see on free apps. They typically use FICO Scores 2, 4, and 5. This dashboard focuses exclusively on strategies that move those specific needles to help you secure the best interest rate tier.

Scroll down to the Action Plan Checklist at the bottom for a step-by-step to-do list to get started.

🎯 Target: 740+ (Best Rates)📉 Sub-640: FHA/VA Territory📊 Middle Score is Key

Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out to me and I'll help you create a personalized plan.

The FICO Weighting Engine

Click a slice to reveal mortgage-specific tactics.

Payment History (35%)

📅

The bedrock of your score. Mortgage lenders look for a clean history in the last 12-24 months specifically. A single 30-day late can drop a 780 score to 680 instantly.

High-Impact Actions

  • ✓Use Goodwill letters for isolated lates >6 months old.
  • ✓Set up auto-pay for the minimum amount on ALL accounts as a safety net.
  • ⚠️Do not dispute accurate late payments during mortgage processing.

⚠️ Mortgage Alert

Collections paid after they hit your report do NOT increase FICO 2/4/5 scores immediately, unlike newer VantageScore models.

Score Tier Playbooks

Select your current status to see the tailored recovery roadmap. Different scores require drastically different strategies.

Priority: Damage Control

You are likely in FHA/VA loan territory. The goal is to qualify for Conventional financing or remove "refer" conditions.

🚫 Stop the Bleeding
  • Bring ANY past due account current immediately.
  • Do not apply for any new credit.
  • Do not close old credit cards, even if you hate the lender.
Strategy: The "Pay-for-Delete" Moonshot

If you have collections, standard payment won't raise your FICO 2/4/5 score. You must negotiate a "Pay for Delete" in writing.

"I will pay the full $400 immediately if you agree in writing to delete this trade line from all three bureaus."

The Secured Rebuild

If you have no credit or bad credit, you need positive trade lines reporting ASAP.

  • 💳
    Secured Credit CardsGet 2 secured cards. Use them for Netflix/Spotify only. Set to autopay. This builds "Payment History" and "Mix".
  • 🤝
    Authorized User StrategyAsk a family member with a perfect, long-history card (low utilization) to add you. FICO includes this history on your report.

Interactive Action Plan

Check all 3 reports (AnnualCreditReport.com) specifically for 'Late' marks.quick
Pay down all credit cards to below 30% individual utilization.quick
Implement AZEO method (1 card reports $10 balance, others $0).quick
Resolve any open disputes on credit accounts.quick
Send Goodwill letters for late payments >12 months old.mid
Add 2 Secured Cards if you have <3 trade lines.mid
Request Credit Limit Increases (Soft Pull Only).quick
Pay off any collections offering 'Pay for Delete'.mid
Wait for hard inquiries to age >12 months.long
Let new accounts age to >6 months.long

🚩 Mortgage Red Flags

  • Disputes: Open disputes on credit accounts can block a mortgage approval. You must remove disputes before underwriting.
  • Co-Signing: Co-signing a car loan for a friend counts 100% against your DTI (Debt-to-Income) unless you can prove they make the payments.
  • Business Cards: Some business cards (Capital One, Discover) report to personal credit. High balances there will tank your personal score.

🔮 Common Myths

  • Myth: "Closing old cards helps."Fact: It lowers your total credit limit, spiking your utilization % and hurting your Length of History.
  • Myth: "Checking my own score hurts it."Fact: Consumer checks are soft pulls. Only lender checks (hard pulls) count.
  • Myth: "I need to carry a balance to show activity."Fact: You need to *use* the card, but you should pay it to $0 or near $0. Carrying debt and paying interest does not increase your score.

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes based on general underwriting guidelines (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac). Individual lender requirements and overlays may vary.