may have its own criteria for determining creditworthiness, and credit scores are just one factor they may consider. The determining factors and how much weight they carry vary between credit agencies (TransUnion and Equifax). However, the following five are the major contributors to your score:
• Payment history: 35% • Outstanding balances: 30% • Length of credit history: 15%
• Types of accounts: 10% • Credit inquiries: 10%
By knowing your credit score, you’ll have a clearer picture of your investment strategy. If your score is high enough, you might be able to get a traditional loan and help with down payments. If your score is lower than you’d like, take a look at the determining factors and see where you can improve — making on-time payments should clearly be a priority. You can also consider paying down balances as you’re able, and not opening up a bunch of new credit cards.
BEWARE OF SCAMS F SCAMS
With so many people out there looking to make money in real estate, it’s pretty much expected that there will be people out there ready to take advantage. The two main types of scams to watch out for are seminar scams and lending scams. Seminar scams can give some truly helpful tips, but it’s always used as a way to gain people’s trust. Once they have the trust, they’ll offer “limited-time” investment properties or expensive classes.
When people fall for the trick and buy a property, they often find
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