Why not close accounts? Closing accounts before the payoff often costs consumers more money because credit card companies raise interest on closed accounts. Also, some types of accounts are better left open for home financing purposes.

You can buy real estate with poor credit, but you will save thousands in loan costs if you maintain good credit. A bad credit report leaves home buyers with non-prime loans which have higher point charges, prepayment penalties, and higher interest charges, which therefore cost more money.

How much can you save? A mortgage loan of $150,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, interest rate of about 5.72 percent costs around $870 a month; poor credit scores raise the interest rate over 9 percent and the payments over $1,200.

As you see from these payment differences, good credit means that you can finance a more expensive house with the same income, or save $330 each month.  Back Home.