DAVIDSONVILLE, ANNAPOLIS, EDGEWATER, ARNOLD AND SEVERNA PARK REAL ESTATE
The lowering of Annapolis mortgage rates is providing an undeniable stimulus for area buyers—so any change in how lenders look at credit scores is automatically of interest. In that sense, this should come as interesting news: FICO is about to introduce two new scoring models! But actually, it’s likely to produce barely noticeable ripples. Among other reasons, the gradual introduction of the new FICO Score 10 and Score 10T won’t happen until this summer—and most lenders will wait a while before adopting them (if they use them at all). The difficulty confronting consumers seeking to track relevant details in the credit rating universe is well known. For instance, FICO 8 is still the most commonly used, even though its successor—FICO 9— debuted six years ago. Further complicating the picture is how the three credit bureaus use specialized FICO versions (a different story entirely!). Basically, FICO scoring has to do with how different factors are weighted in formulating any given “score”—the number meant to predict the risk a lender would take when funding a loan. Each new model attempts to further refine the available data. Such improvements become possible as more information is made available—and in today’s Annapolis, the all-encompassing electronic nature of our day-to-day dealings creates more and more data. Among other factors, the new FICO 10 will give more weight to personal loans. It will penalize borrowers who take out loans to consolidate debt if they then continue to rack up more debt. FICO 10T will tabulate “trended” data, taking the last 24 months of data to plot the “trajectory” it reveals. Annapolis consumers who have been paying off debts will score higher than those who rack up more during the same period. As a practical matter, common sense is any Annapolis mortgage applicant’s best guide. That, and keeping a watchful eye on the reports that each of the credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) issue monthly. You can get information on how to obtain free reports from the Federal Trade Commission here. For a less mysterious look at a more straightforward topic, I’m happy to provide insights into the latest Annapolis real estate doings. Call me anytime!
DEBORAH LAGGINI, Long and Foster Real Estate, Annapolis, MD 21403
CELL 410.991.6560
EMAIL [email protected]
REALTOR, Annapolis, Davidsonville, Edgewater, and Surrounding Communities