In the simplest terms your credit score is your credit history calculated in figures. There are many methods which can be used to calculate your credit score but the most common method is the FICO. FICO was developed by the Fair Isaac Company and is the preferred method used by most lending companies. Your credit score determines whether a lender will approve your application or not or whether a lender will give you less rates on your payments or not.
Credit scores or FICO scores generally range form a low of 340 to a high of 850. Ideally, you should aim for a score of at least 700 or more. If you get a score of 600 and below, creditors will likely consider you as a high risk borrower.
Read More About What Comprises Your Credit Score
First of all, you need to be aware that a mortgage lender can foreclose your home for two reasons. The first one is defaulting on your payments. Generally, lenders will issue a Notice of Default if you miss three mortgage payments consecutively. Another possible ground for foreclosure would be a violation on a major regulation or policy of the lender.
What You Can Do
However, in most cases, the reason for a home foreclosure is due to a default in payments. For some home owners, they waited too long before taking any appropriate action that would have prevented foreclosure of their property. If you currently have a mortgage loan, it is important to be constantly aware of your payments. If for some reason, you miss one of your payments, speak with your lender right away and inform them the cause of your delay. Don’t wait until the second or third delay on your payment or for a Notice of Default before taking the initiative to contact your lender.
Even if it’s just a single payment that you missed, it would be to your advantage if you talk with your lender right away. This is especially true if you know that there is risk that you might not keep up with your monthly mortgage for the coming months. You may have been sick and cannot go to work, or you might have needed the money for an emergency or you might have been laid off from work. In case, it will not help if you just stay quiet or attempt to hide from your creditors.
Read More About Foreclosures: Tips and Warnings