Sometimes consumer credit scores are different than what a lender pulls up. Really FHA requires a 620 minimum middle credit score or higher to qualify. If your consumer report is showing all your credit tradeline payment history most up to date in the last 30 days I would say a lender could simply look at your credit report to start and let you know if improvements need to be made and also give you an estimate of what your debt to income ratio is at certain loan amounts. However, if you want a pre-qualification letter they would need to pull and verify your credit on their end.

Hope this helps too!!

Lindsey :-)

I have a subscription to a credit watch service that sends me an update every time something changes my credit score. Could I use recent paperwork from that company when approaching a lender?

Going on zillow.com does not pull your credit unless you contact the loan officer and ask them to do so.

If I were to pull your credit yes it would impact your score. Each time you have a credit pull or inquiry it does mark negative on your credit. You would want to make sure to start you have 1 or 2 companies pull within the same week or so. Credit companies understand that you are shopping for a mortgage, what really hurts you is excessive credit pulls. You will need to pull your credit to start though to know exactly where your score is at. If 1 mortgage company pulls it you can e-mail that report to another mortgage company for a second opinion if you like and only have 1 credit hit just to get the process going and get pre-qualified. When is the last time you had your credit pulled?

Hope this helps!! Good Luck!!

Lindsey :-)

Pete and Lindsey,

Would either of the recommendations you've made impact my credit rating? I know that every time your credit is checked it shows up and can be viewed negatively.

Thanks.

You can apply at http://www.zillow.com and get quotes - no cost. I would also be happy to pull your credit and see if you are able to obtain mortgage financing - this also is at no cost to you.

Good Luck,

Lindsey Bishop
Sr. Mortgage Consultant

P: 866-847-3001 X270
F: 216-236-7271
E: lbishop@crefco.com

There is a link on my website for a free pre-approval.