Purchasing a home takes diligence and a great deal of patience. At times, the homebuying process can be frustrating
due to so many moving parts. 

If you’re feeling stuck during this process, it’s a great idea to reevaluate pain points.

Examine your credit 

When applying for a home loan, having a good credit score works in your favor. It’s recommended to have a credit
score of 620 or higher to be eligible for most mortgage loans. 

Many banks and online services offer free copies of your credit score. Knowing your score can alert you if it needs
to be strengthened or if there’s an inaccurate report bogging down your credit. 

Try using these methods to increase your score: 

• Use automatic bill pay to make payments on time. 
• Keep old credit accounts open. Even if the account is paid off, the longer it sits can positively impact your
  credit score. 
• Consider using score-boosting programs which consider additional information such as utility bills to calculate
  your score. 

Carefully explore mortgage options 

When searching for home mortgage options, consider what each plan has to offer. For example, if you’re aiming to
purchase a home in a rural area, the U.S. Department of Agriculture backs loans for those moving into such areas.
These types of loans often require no down payment, which can save thousands of dollars. 

Thoughtfully choose a real estate agent 

Having a knowledgeable real estate agent by your side can greatly improve your home search. An experienced agent can
bring helpful market information about the area you’re interested in and can even point you in the right direction
of homes fitting your needs. 

Even though the homebuying process can be tedious, remember to take a break when needed. By carefully examining pain
points in the process, you can identify ways to improve your homebuying strategy.