Published October 16, 2026 · Grants & Co Consultants
Start with your reports and a realistic purchase timeline. A clear account list and a lender conversation are more useful than waiting for an app score to reach an arbitrary number.
Your preparation checklist
- Review your credit reports and flag information you cannot verify.
- Gather records for any disputed balances, payment dates, or ownership errors.
- List monthly debts and current savings.
- Ask a loan officer which loan options and documentation fit your situation.
- Agree on the account actions that should happen before the next credit review.
Keep the file stable
Continue making payments on time. Discuss new credit applications, financed purchases, and account closures with your lender before making changes during an active mortgage application. Keep copies of updated statements and correspondence.
Review progress against the goal
At your next check-in, compare completed actions with the lender’s actual requirements. An account correction, a lower balance, and a missing income document are different tasks and may follow different timelines.
Bring your questions to a free credit review. We can help organize the next conversation without promising a particular score or approval date.
Sources and next steps
- consumerfinance.gov — consumer and lending guidance
- consumerfinance.gov — consumer and lending guidance
General education. Requirements and availability can change. Your lender determines eligibility and approval.
