At Cazle Mortgage, we understand the importance of protecting your credit during the loan application process. That’s why we avoid hard credit pulls until necessary and primarily rely on soft pulls to assist you in the early stages.

Understanding Soft Inquiries vs. Hard Inquiries

Soft Inquiries (Soft Pulls)

These pulls, such as pre-approvals or checking your own credit, do not affect your Credit Score. They’re invisible to other lenders and have no negative impact on your credit.

Hard Inquiries (Hard Pulls)

These occur when you formally apply for credit, like a mortgage. A hard inquiry may lower your Credit Score slightly (around 5 Points or less), but only for a short time. They remain on your report for two years, though they only affect your score for about one year.

Managing Multiple Credit Checks

• Rate Shopping: Multiple inquiries for the same type of credit (e.g., mortgage or auto loan) within a short period (usually 14-45 days, depending on the credit scoring model) typically count as a single inquiry.
• Timing: If you’re rate shopping for a major loan, such as a mortgage, do so within a focused period to minimize the impact on your Credit Score.
• Planning Ahead: Understand how inquiries can affect your score and plan your credit applications accordingly. Limit unnecessary inquiries to preserve your credit health.

Monitoring Your Credit

Regularly monitor your credit reports to track inquiries and ensure accuracy. Monitor for any unauthorized inquiries that could indicate potential fraud.

Understanding the impact of multiple credit checks empowers you to make informed decisions when applying for credit and managing your overall credit health. At Cazle Mortgage, we’re here to help you navigate the loan process with confidence and respect for your financial journey.