Competition = Low Mortgage Rates

Calculating FICO Credit Scores

It is not just about making payments consistently and on time, there is a little bit more to the calculation of your credit score or beacon score as referred to in the mortgage industry. The payment history you have established only accounts for about one third of your actual beacon score. The pie chart below shows the actual breakdown of the beacon score.

Balances owing are a huge factor in the overall credit report. And, the longer you have had a good credit history will increase your score. But watch out, credit card accounts where the balances are at or above the credit limit will dramatically hurt your Beacon score.

Tips on Saving for a Down Payment

If saving for a down payment seems impossible, think again. The following tips will help you achieve this realistic goal:

• Set a goal by determining what you can afford to spend on a home
• Calculate how much you need to save (generally 5% of the purchase price, although more is better)
• Remember to include closing costs and other expenses related to the purchase into how much you need to save
• Be realistic and pace your savings according to your desired purchase date (e.g. If you want to purchase your home within a year, take the calculated down payment amount, add the amount for closing costs and other expenses, then divide by the number of months until the purchase date).