credit history

Three Important Figures: Why Your Credit Score Matters

Three Important Figures: Why Your Credit Score Matters

You already heard the numbers: 690, 740, 805. Three simple digits that may seem mysterious, abstract, or both. In the real world, however, your credit score largely determines what type and how much credit you can get, what interest rates you'll pay – and sometimes, whether you'll land in that great new job you want. Do we already have your attention? Understanding how the big three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) calculate your credit score is key to knowing how to proactively manage your credit and safeguard your all-important triple-digit credit score. Your score allows businesses to assess their ability…
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Government Real Estate Loan Programs for First Homebuyers

Government Real Estate Loan Programs for First Homebuyers

First-time homebuyers face several challenges when looking for a new home. They may not have an established credit history or may not have enough money to make the down payment that would qualify them for a traditional mortgage loan or the debt-to-income ratio may be too high to qualify for a traditional mortgage loan. What many early homebuyers don't know is that there are alternatives to traditional mortgage loans. Government grants and loan programs and even some financing options have helped millions of avid buyers become first-time homeowners. Here's a look at some of the biggest programs and how you can take advantage…
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