An important step to finding a home, whether you’re renting or buying, is ensuring that you have a good credit history. Here are some tips to improve your credit score.

Request a copy of your credit score report – and make sure it is correct.

Your credit report illustrates your credit performance, and it needs to be accurate so that you can apply for other loans – such as a mortgage. Everyone is entitled to receive a free copy of his or her credit report annually from each of the three credit reporting agencies, but you must go through the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.annualcreditreport.com, or call 1-877-322-8228. Note that you may have to pay for the numerical credit score itself.

Set up automatic bill pay.

Payment history makes up a large portion of your credit score(s). The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Avoid missed payments by setting as many of your bills to automatic pay as possible.

Build credit through renting.

VantageScore’s scoring model, created by the three major credit bureaus, will now weigh rent and utility payment records. This will allow it to score as many as 35 million people who previously couldn’t get a credit score.

Keep balances low on credit cards and ‘revolving credit.’

Racking up big balances can hurt your scores, regardless of whether you pay your bills in full each month. You often can increase your scores by limiting your charges to 30 percent or less of a card's limit.

Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed.

Keep this in mind the next time a retailer offers you 10 percent off if you open an account. However, if you need a new line of credit, don’t jump at the first appealing offer; compare rates and fees offered through mail solicitation, on the Internet or at your local bank.

Don’t close old, paid off accounts.

According to FICO, closing accounts may not help your score and may in fact damage it.

From Our Customers

"We were very pleased with the professional manner that Steve addressed our questions and concerns. The entire process was a great experience with everything handled in a timely manner with all time lines met. We are truly grateful for the friendly atmosphere and casual approach Steve has to knowing and greeting his customers needs. We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to have worked with Steve Hayward."

William M.

Trimble, MO · Home Refinance

From Our Customers

"I am so pleased to have been referred to Rob Bradshaw by my real estate agent. He is able to combine professionalism and genuine friendliness, which makes for a very pleasant banking experience. I was treated as a person and not a number, which is rare in current corporate environments. My entire experience with Rob and staff from opening new accounts to the mortgage process has been positive."

Theresa C.

Smithville, MO · Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"John is fantastic to work with. He knows the mortgage lending and underwriting process! He will help streamline your home loan at Platte Valley Bank and offer wonderful & competitive rates and closing costs! Five Stars!"

Gus S.

· Builder/Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"We own a very unique home and my husband and I are both self-employed, so we were prepared for a very difficult situation. She knew what documents we needed to complete, she went to work and closed on our refinance in a matter of a few weeks. It was a very smooth process, she answered our questions about refinancing. As an added bonus, she is one of the best closers I have ever worked with as a realtor. She's a 10 on a scale of 1-5!"

Anne R.

Kansas City, MO · Refinanced Home in 2015

From Our Customers

"Keri was phenomenal. She made the entire process from start to finish super easy and with little stress. I would highly recommend her and Platte Valley Bank to anyone looking for a home loan."

Chris S.

Platte City, MO · Bought a home in June 2016

From Our Customers

"I've had a working relationship with Platte Valley Bank and Keri Rotterman for the last 16 years. She's always professional and keeps the process running smoothly by making communication a priority. Lending guidelines are increasingly complex but Keri's knowledge and experience keep my buyers on task. She goes the extra mile to get us our ultimate goal... A new home. I believe in Keri so much that she has done my personal home loans!"

Paige S.

· Realtor Relationship

From Our Customers

"Just wanted to say thank you to Jason Payne for all of his help and patience! I love my new home and I'm looking forward to spending many years here creating wonderful memories!"

Nancy L.

Kansas City, KS · Purchased New Home in 2016

From Our Customers

"I would like to commend Steve and his team of loan professionals on our recent house loan. Applying for a house loan is more complicated now then it used to be. You explained the loan process in detail, guided us each step of the way to ensure we understood your loan process, and provided a timeline. You have a very customer service oriented team, I would recommend PVB to anyone looking to secure a house loan."

Darrell B.

Kansas City, MO · New Home Purchase

From Our Customers

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Aaron is very responsive, got us a great rate, and he made it extremely easy on us with use of technology (only had to physically sign documents for him once). Our Realtor even commented multiple times about how great THEIR experience was with him. Overall, very impressed and would absolutely recommend.“

Reid K.

Gladstone, MO · Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"From the first inquiring phone call to the final signing of papers, Steve Hayward at Platte Valley Bank was kind and professional. He kept us informed and responded to all our questions in a timely manner with patience and knowledge. When we came up against a hurdle, his team dug in and found the solution. We appreciate his hard work and would definitely recommend his services."

Chris & Melissa K.

Independence, MO · Home Purchase

From Our Customers

"Steve is very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire loan and closing process. He guided me throughout, answered my questions, and made sure everything was in order and timely. The process couldn't have gone any smoother. I really appreciate his work in making this happen."

Sean M.

Holt, MO · Home Purchase Remodel

From Our Customers

"Thank you, thank you to Steve Hayward! You went above and beyond with answering questions and prompt attention on paperwork, making all it all go so smooth. You were on top of it!"

Kristy W.

Liberty, MO · Refinanced Home

From Our Customers

"When clients are needing a lender, my first recommendation is Platte Valley Bank. Rob Bradshaw at the Smithville South location has been a tremendous partner in the mortgage process. Everything is done professionally and timely. He keeps all parties well informed during the whole process."

Phil W.

· Realtor Relationship

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