FICO score Archives - Green Escrow Services, Inc

Is Your FICO Score Above 800?

May 19, 2016 By Geoffrey Disch Leave a Comment

According to the latest statistics supplied by Fair Isaac Corporation nearly 20 percent of consumers has a FICO score of 800 or higher. This 19.9 percent score is up from 19.6 percent just six months ago. Moreover, fewer and fewer consumers have scores below 550, a trend that has been consistent since 2009.

Currently the average national FICO score of 695 is at it’s highest point since Fair Isaac Corporation began tracking in October 2005.

While some analysts see the improvement in credit scores leveling off, it’s important to remember that FICO scores remain of the three key metrics that lenders use to evaluate and ultimately determine rates on home loans.

You’re Only A s Good As Your Partner’s FICO Score

May 9, 2016 By Geoffrey Disch Leave a Comment

In the “Did You Know?” department, when applying for a home loan, lenders are generally required to price applications based on the lower FICO score, not the higher. This “minimum FICO” rule is used by lenders and major investors such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Research has shown that nearly 10 percent of prime borrowers who applied for loads jointly could have lowered their interest rate by one-eighth of one percentage point if the loan had been applied for by the applicant with the higher score, assuming, of course, that the income was high enough to qualify for the loan.

Experts agree that many couples feel a psychological need to have both names on the note, despite the fact that both could be on the legal title without both being on the loan. Also, the partner with the lower score should see an increase on that score as regular payments are made.