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Debt & Borrowing
Your credit score and your mortgage rate are connected
Here's something I see surprise people: the way you manage debt outside your mortgage — credit cards, car loans, student loans — directly affects the interest rate you'll qualify for on a home loan. Lenders look at your whole financial picture, not just your down payment or income. If you're carrying high balances or missing payments elsewhere, it shows up as risk to us, and risk costs money in the form of a higher rate. The good news is this is fixable. Paying down existing debt, keeping credit card balances low, and staying current on all payments can genuinely move the needle on your rate approval. If you're thinking about buying or refinancing soon, it's worth taking a few months to strengthen this part of your profile. If you'd like to talk through your current situation and what might help before you apply, I'm here to walk you through it.
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