5 Steps to Repair Credit in Idaho

Repairing Credit in Idaho: 5 Steps for Borrowers (and the Realtors Who Cheer Them On)

Let's face it - credit scores are like snowstorms in March. Unpredictable, occasionally scary, and bound to mess with your plans. But don't worry, fellow Idahoans: if your credit report looks like it was graded by your high school gym teacher (harsh and confusing), there's still hope.

Here are five down-to-earth, very doable steps to repair your credit - whether you're a borrower dreaming of a place in Kuna or a realtor just trying to get your clients mortgage-ready before they fall in love with a four-bedroom on the Boise Bench.

1. Check Your Credit - Before It Checks You

Before we fix anything, we need to see what we're working with. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and pull your reports from the big three: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. It's free, it's easy, and no, it won't hurt your score.

Idaho tip: Grab a cup of Flying M coffee and make an event of it. Bracing yourself with caffeine and a cookie always helps.

2. Dispute Errors (Because That's Not Your Blockbuster Bill from 2005)

Incorrect accounts, old medical bills you already paid, or mystery collections that sound made up - errors happen more than you’d expect. Dispute them directly with the credit bureaus online.

Realtors: Encourage your buyers to do this early. A surprise collection account can kill a deal faster than a pothole on Eagle Road.

3. Pay Down Credit Cards Like You're Chopping Firewood

Credit utilization is a fancy term for "how much of your credit you're using." Aim to keep it under 30%. If you're hovering near the max, pay it down - fast.

Pay off your credit cards, in full, at least 1x per 12 months, this will really help as well.

Pro tip for Idaho borrowers: Sell that kayak you haven't used since 2021 or skip Dutch Bros for a few weeks. Small sacrifices = big score boosts.

4. Don't Close Old Cards (Even If They're as Dusty as Your Old Camcorder)

Older accounts help your credit age gracefully - like a fine Idaho wine or a Pendleton blanket. Keep them open, even if you're not using them. Just toss a subscription on it and auto-pay each month.

Realtors: This advice is gold. Especially when your buyer is tempted to "clean up" their credit by shutting everything down.

5. Build New Credit Wisely (No, a Bass Pro Credit Card Doesn't Count)

If your credit history is thinner than a Caldwell snowpack in April, consider a secured credit card or credit-builder loan. Use it responsibly and pay it off each month.

And for the love of spuds, don't apply for 12 new cards. One or two is plenty.

🏠 For Borrowers:

Improving your credit isn't just possible - it's powerful. You don't need a finance degree or a miracle. Just some consistent Idaho-style determination and a lender who's ready to guide you.

🤝 For Realtors:

Be your buyer's MVP. Sharing credit advice early can make all the difference between "we're under contract" and "we'll try again next year."

Let's Get You Home-Loan Ready

At 1st Choice Mortgage, we help Idahoans improve their credit and turn that pre-approval into a front-door key. Whether you’re in Boise, Star, or out in Mountain Home - we're here for it.

👉 Click here to connect with us and let's start fixing that credit, one potato-loving step at a time.