What I know now is what I wish I knew way back when

[TermsAndConditions]

I’ve been working so hard to clean up my credit and become credit worthy as I’ve been very ignorant and was never taught by my parents about how to handle money and bills. I’ve cleared out 99% of my debt. My last payoff was from a vehicle loan I paid off back in Oct 2013. Truthfully I’ve been paying it late regardless of the reasons, payments were later. I have 2 unsecured CC and 2 authorized user CC (never late). My question to the group, being almost 6 months since my payoff of my vehicle loan, no negatives in my banking acct, I’ve never been late on any of my CC and use less than 12% of my ($1700) limit or any bills for that matter, no delinquencies or collections. Would the 6 mo. be enough to possibly finance for my first home or should I continue to wait to get a higher score and what would help me with a higher score outside of me paying my bills on time in full?

Experian: 670
TransUnion: 610
Equifax: 580

[wawa84]

If your scores are correct and you meet the income limits you can try to go the USDA route.  You can go to the website and enter some income information and it will tell you if you meet the income guidelines. 

[J_G]

So, the bank will use your middle score. I dont know where you got these scores from but your middle would be your (EQ 610). Also, most bank will not use AU CC for approval purposes. The EQ score on here is the same score lenders use but you will need to have a lender pull your other scores to find out your true mortgage tri-merge scores for TU & EX. If indeed your middle score is 610 you can still get a FHA loan. Have you been working at the same job for 2 + years? Or in the same field for 2+ years? 2+ Year Employment is a MUST to qualify for a mortgage. If you dont have a lot of inquiries I would just find a Loan Originator and apply. I dont believe it will hurt your score at all and you will know for sure!!  Good Luck!

[TermsAndConditions]

Same job for 12 yrs. My TU 614 (middle score) is creeping up 5 Inq will fall off by July 2014. Jan 2015 I will have 0 Inq. Not sure why it's reporting differently from my EX/EQ.