Credit Score Of 500

Often a credit score of 500 is a "cut-off" point for granting credit.

Your FICO credit score can range from a low of 300 to a maximum of 850. So you can see that a score of 500 is less than ideal.

There are many reason for wanting a higher credit score. The higher your credit score:

• The greater the number lending institutions that will handle your loan.
• The easier and faster you can get a loan.
• The larger loan you can qualify for.
• The lower your interest rate will be.

The fact is, the lower you credit score,the less likely you are to repay your loan. If you don't pay your mortgage the banks have to go through a lengthy foreclosure process. This takes time and effort for the bank--and is an expense they don't need.

Banks and mortgage companies already have a lot of "repossessed" properties on their books. Having a lot of properties that went through foreclosure does not look good for the bank. They are not likely to offer an optimal mortgage to a person will a low credit score.

You may have to resort to a "finance company". These companies are specifically organized to offer mortgages to high risk home buyers. But, they offer mortgages at higher interest rates. This will cost you considerably more money.

The best alternative you have is to take 6 months or so and work to improve your credit score.

Credit Report Scores - Computing Then

Your credit report scores are based on factors that appear in your credit reports. Credit report scores are computed based on a model developed by Fair Isaac Corporation and are typically know as FICO scores. They help lenders determine the risk of extending credit to prospective or existing borrowers.

The following general factors are considered:

• Bill payment history -- 35% of your FICO score (Good: on time and for the full amount)
• Debt relative to your credit limit -- 30% of your FICO score (Good: few installment loans, Bad: many debts, maxed out credit cards)
• Length of credit history -- 15% of your FICO score (Best, entire credit history of 7 years shows no negative reports)
• Types of credit -- 10% of your FICO score (Good: mortgage, car loans, Bad: high interest credit card debt)
• New credit -- 10% of your FICO score (Bad: many rejected applications, new accounts, or credit inquiries)

All these factors are considered in computing your credit score.

Your credit report contains personal information, credit payment history, credit inquiries made when applying for credit, collections, as well as public record information from courts such as backruptcies, foreclosures, wage attachments, liens and judgments.

Credit Report Scores - Computing Then

Your credit report scores are based on factors that appear in your credit reports:

• Bill payment history (Good: on time and for the full amount)
• Total outstanding debt (Good: non-mortgage loan payments less than 5% of gross income)
• Types of debt (Good: mortgage, car loans, Bad: high credit card debt)
• Length of credit history (Good: 3 or more years of on time payments)
• Credit inqueries (Bad: many rejected applications)

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibits certain factors from being used in determining your credit report score:

• Personal details such as sex, marital status, age, race, national origin, or because you receive public assistance income
• Sources of income such as regular alimony, child support, or separate maintenance payments

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act provides actions for you to take if suspect unauthorized factors are being used to deny you credit.

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Link text:	Credit Report Scores - See and Improve Them
Description:	Credit report scores affect your ability to get a loan, buy a home, and even get a job. Find out how to see and improve your score.
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