Surprised by how much credit score matters for home loans?

Honestly, I get what you’re saying, but I kinda think lenders should care a bit more about the story. Like, a $9 library fine isn’t the same as missing a car payment, right? It’s wild that they weigh them so similarly. Makes me wonder if anyone at those credit bureaus has ever actually tried to refinance...

Yeah, I hear you, but when I refinanced last year, they flagged a $12 medical bill from like three years ago. I had no clue it was even there. It’s nuts how tiny stuff can mess with your rate. Has anyone actually seen a lender overlook something minor, or is it always black and white?

Honestly, it’s not always black and white. I’ve seen underwriters shrug off a $25 parking ticket but then lose their minds over a $10 cell phone bill from 2018. Sometimes I think they just spin a wheel... but yeah, those tiny things can trip you up.

Sometimes I think they just spin a wheel... but yeah, those tiny things can trip you up.

I’ve noticed the same thing. When I refinanced last year, they flagged a $12 medical bill from years ago but didn’t care about a bigger late payment that was more recent. Here’s what I did to prep: 1) Pulled my credit report and combed through every line, 2) Paid off anything even remotely questionable, and 3) Wrote letters of explanation for weird stuff.

Do you think it’s worth disputing old dings, or is it better to just pay them off and move on?

Honestly, I’d just pay off the little stuff unless it’s a total error. Disputing can drag things out and sometimes makes it look messier to lenders. Lenders are weirdly picky about random things - sometimes it feels like they’re just looking for a reason to say no.