Lower your utilization
Balances relative to limits carry heavy weight in scoring. Paying a card from near its limit down to a small fraction of it can move a score within one or two reporting cycles.
Check your reports for errors
Incorrect late payments, accounts that are not yours, or balances that were paid but still report can all suppress a score. Disputes take time, so start early.
What to avoid while shopping
Do not open new credit cards or finance a vehicle before closing. Do not close old accounts, which can shorten your credit history. Do not move large sums between accounts without a clear paper trail.
You may already qualify
Plenty of buyers delay unnecessarily. A quick review with a loan officer tells you whether waiting actually helps or whether you are ready now.
This article is general educational information, not financial, legal or tax advice, and it is not a commitment to lend. Program guidelines and availability change. Talk to a licensed loan officer about your specific situation.