Day 1: Review Your Credit Report
New Year, New Home! 30-Day Home Buyer Preparation Series
If buying a home in Dallas–Fort Worth is one of your goals this year, the first step is understanding your credit report. Whether you are buying in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, or anywhere in the surrounding DFW metroplex, your credit plays a major role in determining your home loan options, interest rate, and buying power.
That is why Day 1 of my New Year, New Home 30 Day Home Buyer Preparation Series focuses on reviewing your credit before you begin house hunting.
What Is a Credit Report?
A credit report is a detailed record of your financial history. Mortgage lenders use this information to determine how much home you can afford and what loan programs you may qualify for.
Your credit report typically includes:
- Open and closed credit accounts
- Payment history
- Credit inquiries
- Public records if applicable
It does not include your income, savings account balances, or employment details.
Why Reviewing Your Credit Matters Before Buying a Home in DFW
In the competitive DFW real estate market, being prepared can make a huge difference. Reviewing your credit early helps you:
- Catch errors before applying for a mortgage
- Avoid last minute delays during the home buying process
- Strengthen your financial profile
- Better understand your purchasing power
Even small improvements can impact your interest rate and monthly payment.
How to Check Your Credit Report for Free
You can safely check your credit report at:
https://www.annualcreditreport.com
This is the only government authorized website. You can review your report weekly at no cost, and checking your credit does not affect your credit score.
A Helpful Tip for Texas Homebuyers
Monitoring your credit early gives you confidence and clarity before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Strong preparation helps you move quickly when the right home becomes available in the DFW market.
What’s Next in the 30 Day Home Buyer Series
This is Day 1 of my 30 Day Home Buyer Preparation Series designed specifically for buyers in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
Be sure to:
- Check back daily for the next step
- Follow along so you do not miss updates
- Download the full checklist using the link in my profile
Tomorrow’s topic is Day 2: Monthly Expenses and how lenders evaluate them.