3 ways to improve your credit score

FICO scores are used by banks to determine rates for mortgage loans, and lower credit scores can cost you.

Most lenders rely on the FICO credit score to determine the potential risk of a borrower. You'll need to understand the scoring process better before you walk into a lender's office. While you learn about that, I want you to get copies of your credit reports from the three major credit reporting bureaus. You can get free copies online at AnnualCreditReport.com.