How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home in the Central Valley

A solid credit score is one of the most important factors in your journey to homeownership. It can open the door to better mortgage rates and terms, making your dream of owning a home in the Central Valley more achievable. Whether you’re looking in Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield, Stockton, or anywhere in between, understanding how to strengthen your credit is key.

In this guide, we’ll cover the difference between a hard credit pull and a soft credit pull, outline 15 proven strategies to boost your score, and explain why improving your credit now can make a big difference when you’re ready to buy a home.

Hard Credit Pull vs. Soft Credit Pull

When lenders review your credit, it usually happens in one of two ways:

• Soft Credit Pull – This type of inquiry does not impact your credit score. It happens when you check your own credit report or when a lender does a preliminary review. A soft pull is often used for pre-qualification purposes.
• Hard Credit Pull – This occurs when you formally apply for credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card. Hard pulls may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. Multiple hard inquiries in a short period can signal higher risk, so it’s important to time mortgage applications strategically.

Understanding the difference helps you protect your score while preparing for homeownership.

Tip: Before you apply for a loan, visit OptOutPrescreen.com to stop pre-screened credit offers from filling your mailbox. This reduces unnecessary credit checks and helps protect your score.

15 Proven Strategies to Improve Your Credit Score

Improving your credit score takes time and consistent effort. Here are 15 strategies you can begin using today:

1. Pay bills on time – Payment history is the largest factor in your score.
2. Keep credit utilization below 30% – Use less than one-third of your available credit.
3. Pay down revolving debt – Reducing balances on credit cards can have a quick impact.
4. Avoid closing old accounts – Longer credit history helps improve your score.
5. Dispute errors on credit reports – Check reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
6. Limit new credit applications – Too many hard inquiries can hurt your score.
7. Diversify your credit mix – A balance of credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages shows stability.
8. Set up automatic payments – Avoid missed due dates with reminders or auto-pay.
9. Request a credit limit increase – Helps lower your utilization ratio if managed responsibly.
10. Make more than one payment a month – Keeping balances lower between billing cycles can help.
11. Consolidate debt strategically – If appropriate, use consolidation loans to simplify payments.
12. Become an authorized user – A trusted family member’s seasoned account can boost your profile.
13. Use rent, utility, and cell phone reporting tools – Programs now allow these payments to count toward your score.
14. Avoid maxing out credit cards – Even if you pay on time, high balances hurt your utilization.
15. Monitor your score regularly – Stay informed so you can track progress and catch issues early. You can check your credit score at Credit Karma, Experian or MyFico.

Why It Matters

Taking steps to improve your credit score not only prepares you for mortgage approval but also positions you for better interest rates, lower monthly payments, and greater financial flexibility. The earlier you start, the more impact these strategies will have by the time you’re ready to purchase your home.

Work With a Local Expert

If you’re considering buying a home in the Central Valley, I can guide you through the process—from reviewing your credit to exploring loan options tailored to your needs. Every situation is unique, and having an experienced mortgage professional on your side can make all the difference.

📞 Call me today at 209-227-7745 or 559-476-9279
🌐 Visit: robertclarkloans.com
📧 Email: rbrtclark53@gmail.com

—
Robert “Rob” Clark
Mortgage Loan Officer, Firestone Financial Group
NMLS #357788 | NMLS #301522

Compliance Disclaimers

• Firestone Financial Group is an Equal Housing Lender.
• This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Interest rates, terms, and program availability are subject to change without notice.
• Firestone Financial Group is not a credit repair organization as defined under federal or state law. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, credit repair, or financial advice.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Contact me today and let’s create a personalized plan to strengthen your credit and prepare you for homeownership in California.