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Simple Real Estate Definitions: FICO
March 11, 2009 by James K Barath, CMPS · Leave a Comment
The basis of most mortgage lending is credit scoring. In general, the higher a person’s credit score, the lower his offered mortgage interest rate.
Despite the many credit scoring models in use today, however, just 3 are relevant to American homeowners:
- The Equifax BEACON® score
- The Experian Fair Isaac Risk Model
- The TransUnion EMPIRICA®
Generically, these scoring models generate what are commonly known as “FICO” scores.
FICO scores are measurements of probability. The higher a person’s credit score, by definition, the less likely a person is to default on his home loan. This is one reason why credit scoring has added importance lately — mortgage lenders are very careful about what they’re lending and to whom.
Notably, minimum FICO thresholds have been added to all types of mortgage loans.
FICO scoring has 5 main components as listed above. Payment history and credit capacity are two of the largest pieces, but a myriad of other factors contribute to a credit score, too. For example, the longer your reported history of managing credit, the more favorably your credit score will respond.
This is one reason why closing a credit card can damage your credit score — it wipes out the “reported history”.
The myFICO.com website does a terrific job with credit education, explaining in plain language the ins-and-out of credit scoring and ways to boost your score. It also makes a free, 20-page PDF available for download.
Whether you’re a homeowner or lifetime renter — consider it required reading.
About the Author: James K Barath is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, qualified liability advisor and your FHA Home Loan Expert. He is also a graduate of Purdue University, The CMPS Institute, Dale Carnegie Human Relations Course & Napoleon Hill Foundation's PMA Science of Success Class. It's your home and your future. It's his profession and his passion. He is ready to work for your best interest. Contact James Barath today for your Borrow Smart Analysis - the CALM Approach to Borrowing ! His Motto: I Facilitate the American Dream Through Responsible Mortgage Lending and Financial Literacy! 