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Credit Readiness · Kissimmee, FL

Your Credit Score Doesn't Define Your Future

A low credit score doesn't mean "no." It means "not yet." And "not yet" is something we can work with.

24-hour pre-approvalsEnglish y Español
A couple laughing while carrying moving boxes into their new home
Our approach

We Don't Just Say "Not Yet." We Build You a Roadmap.

Most lenders look at your credit score and give you one answer: yes or no. That's not how we work.

When you sit down with Jexayra, she looks at the full picture. Your income. Your debts. Your goals. Your timeline.

If your credit needs work, she won't leave you guessing. You'll walk away with a clear plan: what to fix, how to fix it, and how long it should take. No vague advice. No shame. Just a step-by-step roadmap that leads to your front door.

Because "not ready today" is not the same as "not ready ever." It just means we need a plan — and planning is what we do best.

Why families trust us
  • 5.0-Star Rating
  • 50+ Families Helped
  • Bilingual Service (EN/ES)
  • Trusted Credit Repair Partner
  • Equal Housing Opportunity
Take action today

6 Steps to Improve Your Credit Score for a Mortgage

You don't need to be a financial expert to improve your credit. These are real, practical steps that can make a difference — often in just a few months.

Pay Every Bill on Time

Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Set up autopay or reminders so nothing slips through. Even one missed payment can hurt.

Lower Your Credit Card Balances

Keep your credit card balances below 30% of your limit. If your limit is $1,000, keep your balance under $300. Lower is better.

Don't Open New Accounts

Every new credit application creates a hard inquiry on your report. Hold off on new credit cards, car loans, or store accounts while you prepare for a mortgage.

Keep Old Accounts Open

Length of credit history matters. Even if you're not using an old card, keeping it open helps your score.

Check for Errors

Mistakes on credit reports are more common than you think. Pull your free report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for wrong balances, accounts you don't recognize, or late payments that were on time. Dispute anything that's wrong.

Work With a Credit Professional

If your credit needs serious repair, a professional can help faster than going it alone. We work with a trusted credit partner who knows what it takes to get mortgage-ready.

Your next step

Where Are You on the Path to Homeownership?

No matter where you start, there's a clear path forward. Find where you are and see your next step.

"I Need More Time"

The Credit Roadmap Path

Your credit needs some work? That's okay.

  • We review your credit report together
  • You get a clear list of what to fix
  • We connect you with our trusted credit repair partner
  • We check in on your progress
  • When you're ready, we pick up right where we left off

Most people see real progress in 3–6 months.

Meet our credit repair partner: AregloCredito.com

"I'm Ready to Get Started"

The Pre-Approval Path

Your credit looks good? Let's move.

  • We review your full financial picture
  • You learn what you can comfortably afford
  • We match you with the right loan program
  • You get a strong pre-approval letter
  • Your home search begins

Pre-approval in as little as 24 hours.

Book your free planning session

Not sure which path fits? That's exactly what the planning session is for. We'll look at your numbers together and give you an honest answer.

Know the numbers

What Credit Score Do You Need?

There's no single magic number. The score you need depends on the loan program, your down payment, and your full financial picture. Here are some general ranges:

ProgramTypical Minimum ScoreNotes
FHA LoansAs low as 5803.5% down. Scores 500–579 may qualify with 10% down.
ConventionalTypically 620+Higher scores often mean better rates.
VA LoansNo set minimumMost lenders look for 580–620+.
USDA LoansTypically 640+For eligible rural and suburban areas.

These are general guidelines, not guarantees. Every situation is different. Subject to credit and underwriting approval.

Not sure where you fall? Book a planning session and we'll review your credit together.

Explore all loan programs

Subject to credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend.

Real results

What It's Like to Work With START Mortgage

★★★★★
"Jexayra was extremely pleasant to work with. She educated me on how to become ready for home ownership long before we started working together. I would definitely recommend her."
— Verified client reviewRead more reviews
Common questions

Credit and Mortgage Questions — Answered

Q/01Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?+

It depends on the program and your full financial picture. FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down — and in some cases, scores as low as 500 with a larger down payment. Other programs have different requirements. The best way to find out is to talk about your specific situation. Subject to credit approval.

Q/02How fast can I improve my credit score?+

It depends on what's holding your score down. Some changes — like disputing errors or paying down a credit card — can show results in 30-60 days. Building a strong payment history takes longer, usually 3-6 months of consistent on-time payments.

Q/03Should I pay off collections before applying for a mortgage?+

Not always. In some cases, paying off an old collection can cause your score to dip temporarily. It depends on the type of collection, how old it is, and which loan program you're applying for. Talk to a mortgage professional before taking action.

The start of more

Your Past Doesn't Block Your Future. It Just Means We Need a Plan.

Book a free planning session. We'll look at where you are, talk about where you want to go, and map out the steps to get there. In English or Spanish. No judgment. No pressure.

Free · No obligation · Bilingual · NMLS# 1631454