1. Face the Music: Pull Your Credit Report

First things first—know where you stand. Pull your credit report from all three major bureaus. Look through every line. Find errors? Dispute them right away. Spot past-due accounts? Take note. This report is your playbook, so study it carefully. Understanding your credit history is the first move to fixing it.

2. Don’t Ghost Your Bills

Late payments are credit score killers. Make sure you're paying at least the minimum on time every month. Set reminders. Use autopay. Do whatever it takes to stay consistent. Payment history makes up a huge chunk of your credit score, so don’t let it slip.

3. Cut Down Your Credit Card Balances

High balances can crush your score—even if you’re paying on time. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. If you're maxed out, focus on paying down those balances. Lower utilization equals a healthier score. Plus, lenders like to see that you’re not overextended.

4. Don't Close Old Accounts—They’re History

It might be tempting to shut down old credit cards, especially if you don’t use them. But hold up—those accounts are gold. They show long-term credit behavior, and that history helps your score. Keep them open, especially if they have no annual fees.

5. Mix It Up a Little

Lenders love variety. If you only have credit cards, try adding a small installment loan—or vice versa. A good credit mix shows you can handle different types of debt. But don’t overdo it. Only open new accounts when it makes sense.

6. Fix What’s Broken: Settle Old Debts

Got accounts in collections? Don’t ignore them. Reach out and negotiate. Many collectors will let you settle for less. Once paid, some may even agree to remove the item from your report. Every deleted negative mark helps. It’s all about cleaning up the mess before you apply for a loan.

7. Become an Authorized User

Here’s a sneaky-smart trick: ask a friend or family member with great credit to add you as an authorized user on their card. You don’t even need to use the card. Their positive history can boost your score—just make sure they’re responsible with it.

8. Stick to a Budget Like Glue

If you’re serious about rebuilding your credit, budgeting is a must. Track what’s coming in and going out. Cut back where you can. Use the extra cash to pay down debt or build a savings cushion. A budget gives you control—and lenders love responsible borrowers.

9. Wait It Out and Keep Building

Rebuilding credit doesn’t happen overnight. But with steady effort, your score will climb. Keep doing the right things—pay on time, manage balances, avoid new debt. Over time, lenders will see you as less of a risk. And that’s when you’ll be ready to go home shopping with confidence.

Repairing your credit isn’t just about numbers—it’s about taking charge of your future. Following these nine steps will help you prove you’re ready for the responsibility of a home loan. From pulling your credit report to staying on top of payments, each step puts you closer to your dream. Just remember, consistency is your best friend here.

If you're wondering how to repair your credit to buy a house, the answer lies in being proactive, patient, and committed. Start today, and soon enough, you’ll be opening the door to your new home.

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