You don't need perfect credit to start planning. You just need to know where you're starting—and what your next step should be.

Maybe you're ready to buy now.

Maybe a few strategic changes could put you in a stronger position.

Maybe you need six months or a year.

The best time to find out isn't after you've fallen in love with a house. It's before.

YOU DON'T NEED TO WAIT UNTIL YOUR CREDIT IS “PERFECT”

One of the most common things I hear is:

“I'm going to work on my credit first, then I'll call you.”

But how do you know what to work on?

Your credit score is important, but it's only one part of your mortgage picture. And making random changes based on something you read online isn't necessarily the best strategy.

Let's figure out where you actually stand first.

🏡 READY NOW?

You may be closer to homeownership than you think.

🛠️ ALMOST THERE?

Let's identify the areas that could strengthen your position.

🗺️ NEED MORE TIME?

We'll create a path so you know what you're working toward.

WHEN SHOULD I START WORKING ON MY CREDIT?

Earlier than you think.

If you think you may want to buy a home in the next year or two, there's value in understanding your credit now.

Why?

Because time can be useful.

If your credit is already in a good position, great, we'll know.

If there are areas worth addressing, you'll have time to work on them strategically rather than urgently.

And if something on your credit report needs attention, it's much better to discover it before you're trying to get an offer accepted on a house.

You don't have to be ready to buy to get ready to buy.

You saw a TikTok.

Your cousin gave you some advice.

Someone told you to close that old credit card.

Another person said to open three new ones.

Google told you to pay everything off.

Please don't start moving things around blindly.

The right move depends on your credit profile and what you're trying to accomplish.

Before you:

Close accounts
Open new credit
Move balances
Finance a vehicle
Make large financial changes

let's understand the bigger picture.

Where are you starting?

When and where would you like to buy?

How do credit, income, debts, savings and your housing budget work together?

Are you ready—or what should we work on first?

1 — WE TALK

We'll discuss your homeownership goals and what's concerning you about your credit.

2 — WE LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE

We'll consider credit alongside the other pieces that can affect mortgage readiness.

3 — WE MAKE A PLAN

If you're ready, we'll discuss the next step. If you're not, we'll identify what you can work on and create a path forward.

One of the things I hear far too often is:

“I was embarrassed about my credit, so I waited to call.”

Please don't be.

I've talked with people who were much closer to buying than they thought.

I've also worked with people who needed time and a plan first.

Both are perfectly good places to start.

As a Mortgage Loan Officer and REALTOR®, I can help you look at the financial side and what that financial picture could eventually mean for your home search.

I'd much rather help you understand where you stand now than have you spend another year assuming you can't buy.

Let's start with information. Then we'll make a plan.

— Jane

If you're planning to buy in Baltimore City, your homebuying strategy may involve more than your credit and mortgage.

Depending on your eligibility and available programs, there may also be opportunities involving down payment or closing-cost assistance and other resources.

That's why I want to look at:

Credit + Financing + Cash + Assistance + Property + Comfortable Payment

Not simply:

“What's your credit score?”

Curious what your payment could look like? → Try the Mortgage Calculator