Free tool
How much does your credit score really cost you?
Your credit score doesn’t just decide whether you’re approved — it sets your interest rate, which shapes your monthly payment for years. Move the slider below to see the difference on an example home, then build your own plan for numbers tailored to you.
See what better credit could do
Drag to see how your credit score changes your rate and monthly payment. Your starting point is about 670.
At a 670 score
A FHA loan around 7.13% · about $2,921/mo
Slide higher than your current score to see how much you could save.
Ways to raise your score
- • Pay down credit-card balances — keeping them well under their limits helps most.
- • Always pay on time; even one late payment can sting.
- • Keep older accounts open — length of history counts.
- • Avoid opening new credit in the months before you apply.
- • Check your credit report for errors and dispute any you find.
General guidance, not personalized advice — your HomeStart coach helps you build the right plan for your situation.
Credit-building is a core part of the plan we build with you. Estimates only — moving the slider doesn’t change your real score.
This uses example numbers to illustrate how credit affects pricing. For a plan based on your real situation, build your free plan.