Sign up to MyFico.com to view mortgage credit scores. FICO scores when you apply for a mortgage: FICO® Score 2 (Experian)FICO® Score 5 (Equifax) FICO® Score 4 (TransUnion) If you're applying for a loan on your own, lenders get your credit score from each of the three major credit rating agencies and use the middle or median score to qualify you for a home loan. How to improve your credit score before getting a mortgage 1. Check your credit reports and scores 2. Pay all your bills on time 3. Reduce your credit card balances 4. Avoid opening new accounts 5. Get help from a responsible credit user (If you’re a younger first time buyer, you might not have a very long credit history. One way to improve credit to buy a house: Become an authorized user on a parent’s or relative’s credit card. The primary cardholder (your parent or relative) will continue to make the payments, but you’ll benefit from the positive payment history)