A credit score is more than just a three-digit figure—it's your financial reputation wrapped up in a number. In Canada, credit scores typically range from 300 to 900, with anything above 700 considered good. If you're shopping for a mortgage in Ontario, hitting that "good" or "excellent" range can be between easy approval at a favourable rate or a challenging search through alternative lenders.

What Lenders Look For

• Payment History: Late or missed payments bring your score down significantly. Timely payments showcase reliability and can boost your score.
• Credit Utilization: If you consistently max out your credit cards, your utilization rate climbs, raising red flags for potential lenders.
• Credit Length: The age of your credit accounts plays a role; the longer you've responsibly managed credit, the better.

Benefits of a High Credit Score

1. Prime Interest Rates: Lenders reward low-risk borrowers with lower interest, translating to potentially thousands in savings over your mortgage term.
2. Broad Financing Choices: An excellent score qual you for mortgage products with better terms, like longer amortizations or more flexible payment options.
3. Swift Approval Process: Less back-and-forth with lenders, as your strong credit profile reassures them you can handle the debt.

How to Improve Your Score

• Automated Payments: Set up automatic transfers to ensure your bills are never late.
• Limit Hard Inquiries: Quickly applying for multiple credit cards or loans can lower your score.
• Reduce Outstanding Balances: Pay down credit card debt to lower your utilization ratio.

Lighthouse Lending Helps You Shine

If your credit score isn't where you'd like it to be, Lighthouse Lending can explore various mortgage options to find a workable fit. Simultaneously, we can guide you on tactics to improve your score over time to make your subsequent refinance or property purchase smoother.

Are you ready to leverage a strong credit score, or do you need help navigating lower-score options? Apply now with Lighthouse Lending, and let us open the door to better mortgage rates and terms in Ontario.