A mortgage inquiry may cause a small temporary drop in your credit score, but most of Padzilly’s lender members will use a soft pull credit inquiry that doesn’t impact your score all. However, even with a hard inquiry, the law requires credit bureaus to allow a 45-day shopping window where multiple mortgage inquiries within a short period are treated as one. The impact is usually minor. The real damage to credit happens from late payments, maxed-out credit cards, and high debt levels — not from responsibly applying for a mortgage. Homeownership itself, when managed well, can actually strengthen your credit profile over time.
Please consult your Mortgage Advisor for guidance specific to your situation before making changes.