Mortgage rates are rising. Here’s why your credit score matters and 5 ways to improve it

Source: CNBC — 

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In just a matter of months, mortgage rates have surged from just over 3% for a 30-year fixed loan to just north of 5%.

As potential homebuyers follow those figures, there is one thing they may be overlooking: their credit score.

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. A good score is 670 to 739, very good is 740 to 799, and 800 and up is considered excellent, according to FICO, a leading credit scoring company.

The mortgage rate for a 30-year-fixed loan, is now down slightly at 4.99%, according to Mortgage Daily News. To land that rate, your credit score should generally be over 740, said Glenn Brunker, president of Ally Home, which provides mortgage services and products.