It’s easy to check your credit score, especially using a variety of online tools, but knowing what to do if you find something wrong on your credit report requires a bit of legwork that is worth the effort to help you protect your financial record.
First, by checking all three of the reporting agencies, you may find an error on just one. For example, one credit agency received an incorrect report of a credit union member as deceased, which certainly required a little effort to correct a credit report, but obviously made a big impact on a credit report. Look at all three agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.
Second, know what your score means. Congratulations, your credit score is 715, but if you can improve it to 735 or 750, that can give you better options when it comes time to borrow. Your credit may be ideal for an auto loan, but if you’re planning for a 30-year mortgage, a little difference could mean a lot of savings in the long run. If you want to know how you can improve your score so you can plan for better interest rates of a larger line of credit, be sure to speak with a Dakota West loan officer at your local branch.
Third, if you’re young, start building credit sooner rather than later. If you have well-established credit and most of your debits are paid down, allow yourself to maintain lines of credit, even if you keep the balance paid off, to keep the credit rating you’ve worked hard to earn. Establishing credit and maintaining your credit go hand in hand to develop a long-term credit score that helps you reach your financial goals.
Let's Talk Mortgages
If you’ve ever gone through the process of buying a home, you may have one of the four most common types of home mortgages. But if you are considering buying your first home, or even starting to save for the down payment on a future home, it doesn’t hurt to talk to a home mortgage lender now to be sure you are headed on the right path towards home ownership.
Some of our branches have dedicated home mortgage specialists, such as Stef Russell in our Watford City branch and Jayne Pochant in our Washburn branch, but regardless of where your house may be, the expertise of our loan officers will help guide you along the path as you plan together for your biggest purchase: your first home.
Whether you are considering an FHA loan or a VA loan, whether you are building from the ground up, or your house will be rolling on to your piece of land, we want our members to plan and purchase a home that will be the warm and inviting location to raise a family, create memories, and spend your lifetime.
Let us help you get started today. Call your local branch and make an appointment with a loan officer to work together and be sure your plan for home ownership is growing forward.
If this is the year you’re planning a major purchase, 2020 is definitely your year to be a member of Dakota West! We are offering a 1% cash-back offer up to $500 on vehicle loans, including cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, and more.
If a home mortgage is part of your financial plans for the coming year, or even if you are considering refinancing or purchasing a second home, learn more about how you can receive up to $1,000 off closing costs with Dakota West’s home loan offer.
To take advantage of either of these options, speak with one of our loan officers by calling 800.411.7590, or click “Borrow” from the above menu options. This offer is for a limited time, so get started on your plans to make 2020 an exciting new year with Dakota West.
Meet Stef Russell
“Trust in your loan officer.” Stef Russell, Dakota West’s mortgage expert in Watford City offered her simplest advice to those navigating the home-buying process. “The process can be time consuming, and there’s a lot of paperwork, but trust in your loan officer to help make the process easier.” Creating trusting relationships with her borrowers ensures Stef lives her Dakota West values.
She sees her community as full of opportunity and potential. She admits as she drives around Watford City she observes which houses are for sale. She knows who is moving out, who is looking, and what is happening in the community’s real estate market. Having knowledge of her community gives her the ability to help our members plan and take action when the time is right to buy the perfect home.
Nearing her fourteenth anniversary with Dakota West this month, Stef acknowledges she does not keep count of how many mortgages she has helped close. “Can we just say, ‘Many,’” she asks glancing at the stack of folders on her desk. Each one represents a family moving towards a more secure future in Watford City and she wants each one to be special. She finds the best part is when the process is complete. “It’s nice to see someone who’s worked so hard – the relief in their body language. Getting into a house is memorable.”
She’s also navigating her older son’s senior year, but knows it is still too early in the school year to think too intently about what happens after graduation. One thing she does know is that when the time comes for them to buy their first houses, they’ll turn to Stef for advice. “They’ll have no clue – they’ll come to their Mom. They won’t have any idea where to start. They’ll come to me not just because of what I do, but because I’m their Mom.”
If you are getting ready to start the process of buying your first home, or you’re just considering a new place as your family is growing and changing, reach out to Stef, or any of our home mortgage loan officers at 800.411.7590. We can do this together.
