Originally posted by: whattaguy
Trans Union - 752
Equifax - 771
Experian - 744
I'm just worried about that Experian score. I want to be able to possibly purchase a home this year, but am worried about my scores. I was in the mid to upper 600s last December before I disputed a lot of the info.
Where did you get your scores from?
The scores that lenders use are FICO scores, the crap that the bureaus give you could vary anywhere from 20-120 points from the score that your lenders use.
The only place you can obtain your FICO scores is at myfico.com, and they only provide Transunion and Equifax score, Experian recently pulled out of their agreement with myfico to offer their scores to consumers.
Another alternative to obtain your real credit scores (IE scores that lenders actually use) is to go to a mortgage lender and get pre-approved they will tell you all three scores. Mortgage lenders use your MIDDLE score to determine eligibility and rates.
What kind of loan are you going to want? Most lender require a mid-score of 625 (FICO, not Plus, Advantage or any of that other junk the bureaus try to sell you) for FHA loans. Though that can vary.
My house is being built right now, we are doing a VA loan. Some lenders told us we need a mid score of 610+ another lender told us 645+.
Your first step should be to find out you FICO scores, and go from there.
You can find some great credit resources at creditboards.com and myfico.com forums. Also to see what lenders require you can check out whogavemecredit.com
EDIT: There are many different types of credit scores out there for sale, and for free. The only one that matters is the one that your lender uses. Over 95% of lenders use FICO scores to make a determination.