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Dan Green
Dan Green

Dan Green

Homebuyer.com

Dan Green (NMLS 227607) is a licensed mortgage professional who has helped millions of people achieve their American Dream of homeownership. Dan has developed dozens of tools, written thousands of mortgage articles, and recorded hundreds of educational videos. .

Miami Home - Soft Credit Pull

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This article was checked for accuracy as of November 4, 2024. Learn more about our commitments to accuracy and your mortgage education in our editorial guidelines.

Updated: November 4, 2024

What Is A Soft Credit Check?

A soft credit check, also known as a soft credit inquiry, is a credit check that does not affect a home buyer’s credit score. Soft credit pulls are typically used as part of getting a mortgage pre-qualification.

A Longer Definition: Soft Credit Check

A soft credit pull is a form of credit inquiry that provides a limited view of a home buyer’s credit report.

Mortgage lenders use soft credit checks to pre-approve home buyers who want to buy a home. Lenders may also use soft credit checks to verify the refinance qualifications of existing mortgage customers.

Unlike hard credit pulls, which can slightly lower your credit score, soft pulls do not affect your score or your creditworthiness. Instead, soft credit pulls give lenders a snapshot of your credit situation, helping them to offer relevant products for which you may qualify, including the HomeReady mortgage or a USDA loan, without affecting your FICO.

Check your eligibility and begin your application now.

Soft Credit Check: A Real World Example

First-Time Home Buyer Stories - Soft Credit Check

Imagine a first-time home buyer is exploring their homeownership options and wants to understand how much home they can afford. The buyer contacts a mortgage lender.

The mortgage lender takes an informal mortgage application and makes a soft credit pull.

The soft credit check lets the lender review the buyer’s credit report, calculate their debt-to-income, and estimate the buyer’s maximum purchasing power—all without harming the buyer’s credit.

Common Questions About Soft Credit Checks

What’s the difference between a soft and hard credit check?

A soft credit pull is a limited check that does not impact your credit score. A hard pull is a more detailed inquiry that occurs when you officially apply for credit, which may slightly lower your score.

Can I see who has performed a soft credit check on my report?

Yes, you can see all the soft inquiries on your credit report. These are visible only to you and do not affect your credit score.

How often can a soft credit pull be done without affecting my credit?

There is no limit to the number of soft pulls that can be done on your credit. They have no impact on your score, regardless of how often they occur.

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