While it is important to build a strong credit history, it’s also important to be savvy when using credit. Focus on keeping outstanding credit balances to no more than 25% of your credit limit. You should also avoid having more than 3 open credit lines at any given time. Even if you have lots of credit with zero balances it can impact you negatively.

If you find yourself using credit to live on, then it’s time to make some changes. It’s never too late to get started…

This content is not the product of the National Association of REALTORS®, and may not reflect NAR's viewpoint or position on these topics and NAR does not verify the accuracy of the content.