The must-watch video series for buyers: Credit tips, mortgage myths busted, and everything you need to know to feel confident about homeownership.
All April long, we partnered with Mortgage Loan Officer Katie Bennett to bring you a four-part Sunday video series full of honest, helpful advice for buyers.
We answered your most frequently asked questions—no confusing jargon, no pressure, just real talk to help you get mortgage-ready and take the next step toward homeownership. And in case you missed any episodes, we’ve brought them all together here for you to catch up!
🚫 Think You Need PERFECT Credit to Buy a Home? Think Again!
So many buyers delay talking to a loan officer because they assume they won’t qualify. But here’s the truth: you don’t need perfect credit to get approved! ✅
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A soft credit pull won’t hurt your score and shows you where you stand
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Katie can use tools like CreditXpert to help you improve your score quickly
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Most buyers qualify sooner than they think!
➡️ Watch this episode to get the facts and find out how close you might already be to buying.
📉 Why Does Your Credit Score Look Different Everywhere?
Ever check your credit on one app, then see a completely different score somewhere else? You’re not alone—and it’s not a glitch.
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There are 3 credit bureaus, each with different info
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Lenders use a FICO mortgage score, not app-based scores
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Your mortgage score = the middle score of the 3
➡️ Watch this video to understand which score matters most when buying a home—and how to check the right one early.
🏡 What Credit Score Do You ACTUALLY Need to Buy a Home?
It’s a question we hear all the time—and the answer might surprise you.
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Most loan programs require a 620 minimum score
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Your credit score also affects your interest rate & monthly payment
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A small increase in your score = big savings over time
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Katie can run a credit simulation to help you build a fast game plan!
➡️ Watch this episode to see why knowing your score early pays off.
✅ Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved – What’s the Difference?
These terms are tossed around a lot—but they mean very different things.
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Pre-Qualified: A quick estimate based on what you share
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Pre-Approved: Verified by a lender—your income, credit, and finances
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Pre-approval gives you a real budget and shows sellers you’re serious
➡️ Watch this episode to understand why pre-approval is a game-changer in today’s market.
💙 Bonus: Welcome Baby Levi!
We’d also like to give a big congratulations to Katie, who welcomed her second baby, Levi, during this series! 👶💙
We’re so happy for her and feel lucky to work with someone who gives so much to her clients and her family.
Thinking About Buying a Home?
Don’t wait until you “feel ready.” Whether you’re buying soon or just starting to plan, we’re here to help you build a clear, stress-free path forward.
📩 Reach out today—no pressure, just guidance.
🔑 Abby Walters | Broker/Owner
📧 [email protected]
📱 540-227-4416
🌐 TeamAbbyWalters.com
Katie Bennett | Cross Country Mortgage
📧 [email protected]
📱 703-479-6114
🌐 Katie’s Page
