Of everything that affects your mortgage, credit is the lever you can most directly influence. A few deliberate moves over a few months can change the rate — or the approval — you're offered.

Start by checking your report

A meaningful share of credit reports contain errors: accounts that aren't yours, or late payments that never happened. You can pull your report for free and dispute mistakes at no cost. This is the highest-leverage first step.

Utilization matters more than people think

Keeping balances under about 30% of each card's limit helps your score — and lower is better in the months before you apply. Tip: card balances usually report on the statement closing date, so paying down a few days before that date (not just before the due date) can lift your score faster.

Protect your history

  • Never miss a payment — payment history is the single biggest factor.
  • Avoid new applications and hard inquiries for 3–6 months before applying.
  • Keep older accounts open to preserve your credit age.

If your credit needs rebuilding

Past bankruptcy or a consumer proposal doesn't disqualify you — timing and documentation rules apply, and they're very common situations. This is exactly what a broker conversation is for.

Your move

Pull your free report this week and fix anything that's wrong.