Level2TheNext
Your path toward homeownership

Before the keys,
get clear on
your credit.

Want to buy a home, but unsure where your credit stands? Let’s look at your reports, understand your concerns, and talk through your next steps.

Start where you are. You don’t need a perfect score to start a conversation.

Welcoming home with a green lawn and front porch
Your next chapter starts with clarity.Credit education for future homebuyers.
Understand what’s on your reportsDiscuss your questions with MechellePrepare for a conversation with a lender
More than a number

A homebuying goal.
A clearer starting point.

Your credit report and credit score are different. The report shows your credit history; a score summarizes information from that history. Understanding both can help you prepare.

01 / KNOW YOUR REPORT

See what’s being reported.

Review account information, balances, payment history, and unfamiliar entries. Bring your questions to your review.

02 / UNDERSTAND THE DETAILS

Make sense of your concerns.

Discuss late payments, high balances, or possible reporting errors so you understand what needs a closer look.

03 / PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Prepare for the bigger picture.

Credit is one part of buying a home. A lender also evaluates income, debts, savings, and the requirements of the loan.

A simple place to begin

From “where do I stand?”
to a more informed next step.

1

Access your reports.

Use your existing reports, explore IdentityIQ, or request free reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.

2

Request a review with Mechelle.

Share your homebuying timeline and the questions you’d like to discuss. Keep sensitive report details out of your initial message.

3

Discuss your next steps.

Look at your concerns and prepare questions for a mortgage professional. A review is educational and does not guarantee approval.

Your reports, your choice

Get the information
behind your score.

IdentityIQ offers credit report access and monitoring. The reports, scores, and features available depend on the plan you select.

  • Review the plan’s report access and features.
  • Check the current price, billing terms, and cancellation policy before enrolling.
  • Keep your account credentials private.

Prefer a free option? Request your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. These reports generally do not include credit scores. You can request a review without buying IdentityIQ.

Before you start

Your questions, answered.

Can I get help if my credit needs work?

Yes. You can request a conversation about your reports and your homebuying goals, even if you are concerned about your credit. The review helps you understand your starting point; it does not promise a score increase or loan approval.

Do I need to sign up for IdentityIQ?

No. IdentityIQ is an optional paid service. You can use existing reports or obtain free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Tell Mechelle what you already have when requesting your review.

Will looking at my own credit reports hurt my score?

Checking your own credit reports does not affect your credit score. A lender’s credit inquiry when you apply for a loan is a different process. Read the CFPB explanation.

Does a credit review mean I’m approved for a mortgage?

No. Only a lender can determine loan eligibility and terms. Your credit, income, debts, savings, and the loan program all matter. There is no single score that guarantees approval.

How much does a review cost?

Ask Mechelle for the scope and any fees before agreeing to a review. IdentityIQ subscription charges, if you choose to enroll, are separate and are shown on its website.

Should I send my report or Social Security number?

Please do not include a Social Security number, passwords, account numbers, or credit report attachments in your initial inquiry. Ask Mechelle how to share any necessary report information securely before sending it.

Let’s talk about your next level

You have a goal.
Let’s understand
your starting point.

Request a credit review with Mechelle. Tell me when you hope to buy and what you want help understanding.

We’ll discuss the review process, any fees, and how to share report information before you commit.

Keep this message general. Do not enter Social Security numbers, passwords, or account numbers.

This opens a draft in your email app. Send the email there to submit your request. Your entries are not stored by this page.