fixed rate real estate

LoDo

Looking for Denver Real Estate? LoDo is Denver’s oldest neighborhood, which means it’s home to some of the city’s most prominent and beloved landmarks, some of which are what define the Denver experience. Denver has always had a variety of nicknames, but the first nickname to ever stick to the Mile High City is LoDo, which applies to the old warehouse area of lower downtown by Union Station, according to Westword Magazine. Now, LoDo is known as the mixed-use historic district, home to some of Denver’s most loved and recognized restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment. Take a look at the article below if you’d like to learn more about the wonders that LoDo has to offer. 

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in LoDo and you’d like to learn more about the neighborhood market, then please contact us here

If you’re looking to explore LoDo during the day, don’t forget to start off by exploring the lovely boutiques. After you’ve grabbed your morning coffee from one of Denver’s most loved coffee shops, take a walk into some of Denver’s most loved boutiques. If you’re in Larimer Square, head over to Hailee Grace where you can find this season’s hottest clothes, swimwear, and accessories. Once you’ve finished up at Hailee Grace, head on over to Alchemy Works, a coastal California retail, gallery, and event space concept located at Free Market. Featured in Vogue, Conde Nast Traveler, and Style.com, Alchemy Works carries brands like Warby Parker, Sandoval, Casa Clara, and Mau Jewelry. Next time you’re taking a stroll through the city, don’t forget to stop into these boutiques to pick up your next favorite pieces. 

Once you’ve finished up your morning shopping, spend the rest of the day outside enjoying the beautiful weather that Colorado has to offer. Whether you’re looking to host a picnic at the park, or buy some tickets for the Rockies game, with 300 days of sunshine, nearly any day is perfect to spend time outside. If you’re looking to host a sweet picnic outside with your friends and family, find your perfect spot at Confluence Park or Commons Park, two of downtown Denver’s most popular parks right in the middle of the city. Confluence Park lies at the joining of Cherry Creek with the South Platte River. If you love biking or talking long walks along the South Platte River, then definitely take your time to take a scenic walk. Or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider renting a kayak from Confluence Kayaks and kayak down the river (yes you can actually do that!) If kayaking feels like too much, then you’re also able to bring down your tube and go tubing.

So you’ve officially done one of the coolest things ever; tubing in the middle of the city, what to do next? Nowhere better to relax than at the Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field with a delicious hot dog, refreshing drink, and ice cream on a sunny day. If you’ve ever explored Denver during the summer before or after a rockies game, then I’m sure you’re familiar with experiencing the spirit and excitement from the fans all across the city. You’ll be sure to see crowds with purple gear all over the city and outdoor patios around the stadium overflowing with fans, before, during, and after the game. If eating delicious snacks for three hours isn’t your thing, then walk on over to Union Station, one of Denver’s most loved and transformed landmarks. If you’ve visited friends in Denver, then I’m sure they’ve taken you to Union Station to either grab a special drink from Terminal Bar, grab some brunch from Snooze an A.M. Eatery, or maybe even to just pop in and grab some ice cream from Milkbox Ice Creamery and a cup of coffee from Pigtrain Coffee Co. Regardless of why you’re here, if you’re looking for the center of downtown Denver, then Union Station is the heart of it all.  

So far, you’ve had quite the long day, so where better to chill out for a couple of hours and take a sweet nap than in your fabulous airbnb or historic hotel room at The Oxford Hotel. Whether you’re visiting Denver from out of state, or a Denver native that’s looking to get to know the city from a tourist point of view, staying in an airbnb or a historic hotel in the middle of the city is the best way to get to know the culture of a city. If you’re looking for a unique stay experience, we recommend checking out the “Historic Carriage House”, LoDo’s coolest airbnb. This home originally sheltered horses in the late 1800s and has been featured in Architectural Digest online as Colorado’s most unique and beautiful Airbnb property. If you’d like to take an alternative route to your overnight stay, then there’s no better hotel in LoDo than The Oxford Hotel. With roots dating back to the 19th century, The Oxford offers 80 guest rooms and suites, a breathtaking collection of art through the halls, the Oxford Club Spa, and one of Denver’s most loved bars, The Cruise Room. Whether you’re looking for a rustic or luxurious stay, you’ll find it in LoDo. 

Okay, so you’ve had your nap in your luxurious bed and facial at the Oxford Club Spa, now it’s time to get your most favorite night-out outfit and head on over to dinner before your late night fun. LoDo is one of Denver’s most loved neighborhoods for nightlife; whether you’re looking for a 1920s speakeasy, romantic dinner for two, or wanna have a laugh or two at a comedy club, you can find everything you need in LoDo. 


If you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, or celebrating a special occasion, make a reservation at Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, one of Denver’s most loved steakhouses. Fogo de Chao takes the experience of a steakhouse to a whole new level, bringing the churrasco grilling tradition to Denver. If you’re looking for a more casual occasion for your night out, look no further than Hopdoddy Burger Bar in Union Station, blocks away from Coors Field. If you’re in need of a delicious burger with Hot Honey & Sage Sweet Potato Fries and a boozy vanilla milkshake, then head on over to Hopdoddy immediately to fulfil your late night cravings. Maybe you're in search of dinner and a show? If so, make a reservation at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox to indulge in the ‘70s swank and vintage soft-core art at this adult-themed fun house. At Ophelia's, you can enjoy their small-plate menu of eclectic offerings, while overlooking their sunken stage and dance floor with live music. If a loud, wild scene isn’t your thing and you’re looking to just have a good laugh, then buy some tickets for Comedy Works where you can experience world-class laughs from comedians known locally, nationally, and internationally.

For any information on Denver’s real estate market, check out Denver’s Flat Fee Realtor!

Preapproved Vs. Prequalified: Which Is Better?

When you prepare to apply for a mortgage, you will come across financing terms like “prequalification” and “preapproval.” It’s important to understand the meaning of these terms, as this will guide your home search by allowing you to understand your buying power and show the seller that you’re a serious and qualified buyer.

At the fundamental level, preapproval and prequalification are types of mortgage approvals, and they refer to the steps a lender has taken to verify that a borrower can afford a mortgage. Here are a couple of points to keep in mind:

  1. Many lenders use prequalification and preapproval interchangeably. Every lender handles mortgage approvals differently and the steps involved change from lender to lender.

  2. No matter matter the type of mortgage you apply for, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll close the loan.

We’ll also explain how our preferred lender handles approvals, so you can know what to expect when you apply for a mortgage.

WHAT IS MORTGAGE PREQUALIFICATION?

A prequalification generally means that the lender collects some basic financial information from you to estimate how much house you can afford.

A prequalification is a ballpark estimate and is less reliable than a preapproval, which usually involves your lender checking your credit score and reviewing bank statements along with other financial documents.

As you begin searching for a home, realtors and sellers want to see you’ve been working with a mortgage lender so they know you can afford to buy a home. You’ll need a qualified real estate agent that can negotiate the best price and terms for you along with a solid preapproval letter.

VERIFIED APPROVAL

After you’ve been approved, you can level up to a verified approval by providing some documentation so your lender can verify your income and assets.

Verifying your income and assets along with your credit history is a more accurate estimate of what you can afford. It also carries more weight with a real estate agent and the seller, because they’ll know we verified that you can afford the home you wish to buy. You can provide your approval letter to your real estate agent and the sellers as proof that you can obtain a large enough mortgage to purchase the home.

SUMMARY

Getting approved early in your home search is a great way to know what you can afford, so you can narrow in on your dream house. To get started, apply for a mortgage and get premium pricing on your interest rate.

5 STEPS TO SELLING YOUR HOME

YOU’VE DECIDED TO SELL

You may have received a call from one of our listing agents, heard about us from a friend, read about us online, or received a call from one of our expert sales associates to set up an appointment about listing your home.

YOUR LISTING APPOINTMENT / CONTRACTS

Our listing specialist Daniel will meet with you to discuss listing your home and filling out the contracts and disclosures. Once all documents are signed, we are ready to start the process to get your home on the market. We are so honored you have chosen Fixed Rate Real Estate to represent you in the sale of your home and are here for you every step of the way!

LISTING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

Daniel will gather all of the details right to list your home. We will make note of all of the features and benefits of your home to make sure we showcase it properly. The we will bring in our professional photographer to come take HD photos and virtual tour. Our team will build the MLS listing and send you a proof to make sure all the information is correct. Once approved, we will list and market the property to find the perfect buyer. We will provide you with showing feedback and reach out to any of our buyers and see if your home fits their needs.

CHOOSING AN OFFER

Once we receive offers on your property, your listing agent Daniel will review the offers with you to help you decide on your best option.

UNDER CONTRACT TO CLOSING

As soon as you are under contract, we will handle the coordination of dates and deadlines from now through closing. We will be in contact with you regarding the scheduling of the inspector, appraiser, and keep you posted on all activity through closing.

From Offer To Close

Inspections

Home Inspections and potential repairs are the number one reason sales do not close. Typically, buyers have a certain number of days in which to inspect the property and accept or reject the property based upon these mechanical and structural inspections. Save yourself time, money and disappointment and do the deferred maintenance now.

Home Warranty Plans

Home warranty plans go a long way to alleviate some of the risks and concerns buyers have when purchasing a home. For a modest price, the seller can provide a one-year warranty covering specified heating, plumbing, electrical, water heater or appliance breakdowns. Coverage under most plans commences as soon as the property goes under contract.

in Your Best Interest

Fixed Rate Real Estate knows how to market and sell real estate. A property that is properly marketed is not only much more likely to sell, but it’s much more likely to sell for a higher price. Our team will work to be a powerful negotiator on your behalf to ensure the highest possible return for you and pave the way to a smooth closing.

Throughout The Listing Process

  • We help you prepare your home to make it look its best

  • We stay in touch with you on a regular basis to discuss the market, in addition to following up on showings and just checking in

  • We email feedback

  • We keep you informed of all marketing and advertising efforts

  • We monitor market activity

  • We will always be available to you by phone and e-mail

A Smooth Closing

  • We will closely monitor all lender and escrow activities throughout the process

  • We concentrate on solutions, not problems

  • We are sure that buyers remove contingencies according to the time frame specified in the contract

  • We advise and assist in negotiation of all inspection items

  • We represent your best interest at all times and in all negotiations

  • We accompany you at closing

Flat Fee Real Estate In Broomfield

Flat Fee Home Selling

Save thousands with Fixed Rate’s low flat fee. You’ll get full service real estate at a fraction of the cost of a traditional agent.

SAVE THOUSANDS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

NO PERCENTAGE COMMISSION FEE, JUST A FLAT FEE OF $5,000 PAID AT CLOSING.

Protect your equity with our low flat fee approach. Just $5,000 paid at closing. Our mission is to bring down the high cost of selling a house and pass those savings back to you. With over 94% of home buyers searching for homes online, it is critical to properly showcase your home online with the correct representation. Our low flat fee, easy-to-use technology saves homeowners an average of 10,000 in commission fees.

Your home is more than a building or an address; it is the storehouse of your most treasured memories. Your Home holds the character of the lives lived within its walls. It’s the way the sunlight streams in, the creek in the stairs, the feeling you have when you walk in the door. Our goal is to represent your extraordinary home and its story, to pass along its character and the lifestyle it inspires. We are honored to partner with you in telling your story.

BlueMistExterior.jpg

PROFESSIONAL HOME SELLING SERVICES

Fixed Rate Real Estate is Denver’s premier real estate firm, constantly on the pulse of what it takes to sell a home. Getting your house exposed to as many qualified buyers as possible and SOLD has never been easier with Fixed Rate’s in house company marketing services. Our professional service Includes:

  • Comparative Market Analysis

  • Advice on Proper Pricing & Offer Terms

  • Exposure to Hundreds of Qualified Buyers Relocating to Denver by Employers

  • Property Showing Coordination, Agent Feedback & Client Reports

  • Professional HD Property Photos & Virtual Tour

  • Professional Property Brochures

  • Yard Sign, Brochure Box & Lockbox

  • Website Marketing on Top Housing Search Engines, Including Realtor.com, Homes.com, REColorado.com & Zillow.com

  • Property Special Feature Cards

  • E-mail Marketing Campaigns to over 10,000 Additional Denver Real Estate Agents

  • Neighborhood Open House

  • Personal Phone Calls to Prospect Lists

  • Exposure on Social Media, Including Facebook & Instagram

  • Personal Blog Post

  • Just Listed Direct Mail Campaign to Neighborhood

If you are considering selling your home, contact us for a complimentary market analysis. See what your home is really worth, and how much you can save. We go above and beyond the typical agent, offering state of the art technology and fresh marketing ideas to sell your home. Contact us to learn more!

Tagged: flat fee mls listingflat fee realtor near meflat fee real estate in Denverflat fee realtorflat fee agentflat fee listingflat fee listing serviceflat fee listing mlsflat fee real estate agentflat fee real estate agent denverflat fee real estateflat fee listing service mlsflat fee brokers near meflat fee realtyflat fee realtor denverflat fee realtor in greenwood villagefixed rate real estate

Flat Fee Real Estate In Aurora

Flat Fee Home Selling

Protect your equity and save thousands in fees with Fixed Rate’s low flat fee. You’ll get full service real estate at a fraction of the cost of a traditional agent.

SAVE THOUSANDS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

NO PERCENTAGE COMMISSION FEE, JUST A FLAT FEE OF $5,000 PAID AT CLOSING.

Protect your equity with our low flat fee approach. Just $5,000 paid at closing. Our mission is to bring down the high cost of selling a house and pass those savings back to you. With over 94% of home buyers searching for homes online, it is critical to properly showcase your home online with the correct representation. Our low flat fee, easy-to-use technology saves homeowners an average of 10,000 in commission fees.

Your home is more than a building or an address; it is the storehouse of your most treasured memories. Your Home holds the character of the lives lived within its walls. It’s the way the sunlight streams in, the creek in the stairs, the feeling you have when you walk in the door. Our goal is to represent your extraordinary home and its story, to pass along its character and the lifestyle it inspires. We are honored to partner with you in telling your story.

BlueMistExterior.jpg

PROFESSIONAL HOME SELLING SERVICES

Fixed Rate Real Estate is Denver’s premier real estate firm, constantly on the pulse of what it takes to sell a home. Getting your house exposed to as many qualified buyers as possible and SOLD has never been easier with Fixed Rate’s in house company marketing services. Our professional service Includes:

  • Comparative Market Analysis

  • Advice on Proper Pricing & Offer Terms

  • Exposure to Hundreds of Qualified Buyers Relocating to Denver by Employers

  • Property Showing Coordination, Agent Feedback & Client Reports

  • Professional HD Property Photos & Virtual Tour

  • Professional Property Brochures

  • Yard Sign, Brochure Box & Lockbox

  • Website Marketing on Top Housing Search Engines, Including Realtor.com, Homes.com, REColorado.com & Zillow.com

  • Property Special Feature Cards

  • E-mail Marketing Campaigns to over 10,000 Additional Denver Real Estate Agents

  • Neighborhood Open House

  • Personal Phone Calls to Prospect Lists

  • Exposure on Social Media, Including Facebook & Instagram

  • Personal Blog Post

  • Just Listed Direct Mail Campaign to Neighborhood

If you are considering selling your home, contact us for a complimentary market analysis. See what your home is really worth, and how much you can save. We go above and beyond the typical agent, offering state of the art technology and fresh marketing ideas to sell your home. Contact us to learn more!

Tagged: flat fee mls listingflat fee realtor near meflat fee real estate in Denverflat fee realtorflat fee agentflat fee listingflat fee listing serviceflat fee listing mlsflat fee real estate agentflat fee real estate agent denverflat fee real estateflat fee listing service mlsflat fee brokers near meflat fee realtyflat fee realtor denverflat fee realtor in greenwood villagefixed rate real estate


Flat Fee Real Estate In Denver

Flat Fee Home Selling

Selling residential real estate has never been easier! You can save thousands of your hard earned money with Fixed Rate Real Estate’s low flat fee. You’ll get full service real estate services at a fraction of the cost of a traditional agent.

SAVE THOUSANDS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

NO PERCENTAGE COMMISSION FEE, JUST A FLAT FEE OF $5,000 PAID AT CLOSING.

Protect your equity with our low flat fee approach. Just $5,000 paid at closing. Our mission is to bring down the high cost of selling a house and pass those savings back to you. With over 94% of home buyers searching for homes online, it is critical to properly showcase your home online with the correct representation. Our low flat fee, easy-to-use technology saves homeowners an average of 10,000 in commission fees.

Your home is more than a building or an address; it is the storehouse of your most treasured memories. Your Home holds the character of the lives lived within its walls. It’s the way the sunlight streams in, the creek in the stairs, the feeling you have when you walk in the door. Our goal is to represent your extraordinary home and its story, to pass along its character and the lifestyle it inspires. We are honored to partner with you in telling your story.

ValentiaCtFront.jpg

PROFESSIONAL HOME SELLING SERVICES

Fixed Rate Real Estate is Denver’s premier real estate firm, constantly on the pulse of what it takes to sell a home. Getting your house exposed to as many qualified buyers as possible and SOLD has never been easier with Fixed Rate’s in house company marketing services. Our professional service Includes:

  • Comparative Market Analysis

  • Advice on Proper Pricing & Offer Terms

  • Exposure to Hundreds of Qualified Buyers Relocating to Denver by Employers

  • Property Showing Coordination, Agent Feedback & Client Reports

  • Professional HD Property Photos & Virtual Tour

  • Professional Property Brochures

  • Yard Sign, Brochure Box & Lockbox

  • Website Marketing on Top Housing Search Engines, Including Realtor.com, Homes.com, REColorado.com & Zillow.com

  • Property Special Feature Cards

  • E-mail Marketing Campaigns to over 10,000 Additional Denver Real Estate Agents

  • Neighborhood Open House

  • Personal Phone Calls to Prospect Lists

  • Exposure on Social Media, Including Facebook & Instagram

  • Personal Blog Post

  • Just Listed Direct Mail Campaign to Neighborhood

If you are considering selling your home, contact us for a complimentary market analysis. See what your home is really worth, and how much you can save. We go above and beyond the typical agent, offering state of the art technology and fresh marketing ideas to sell your home. Contact us to learn more!

Flat Fee Real Estate In Greenwood Village

Flat Fee Home Selling

Save thousands with Fixed Rate’s low flat fee. You’ll get full service real estate at a fraction of the cost of a traditional agent.

SAVE THOUSANDS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

NO PERCENTAGE COMMISSION FEE, JUST A FLAT FEE OF $5,000 PAID AT CLOSING.

Protect your equity with our low flat fee approach. Just $5,000 paid at closing. Our mission is to bring down the high cost of selling a house and pass those savings back to you. With over 94% of home buyers searching for homes online, it is critical to properly showcase your home online with the correct representation. Our low flat fee, easy-to-use technology saves homeowners an average of 10,000 in commission fees.

Your home is more than a building or an address; it is the storehouse of your most treasured memories. Your Home holds the character of the lives lived within its walls. It’s the way the sunlight streams in, the creek in the stairs, the feeling you have when you walk in the door. Our goal is to represent your extraordinary home and its story, to pass along its character and the lifestyle it inspires. We are honored to partner with you in telling your story.

ValentiaCtSidePic.jpg

PROFESSIONAL HOME SELLING SERVICES

Fixed Rate Real Estate is Denver’s premier real estate firm, constantly on the pulse of what it takes to sell a home. Getting your house exposed to as many qualified buyers as possible and SOLD has never been easier with Fixed Rate’s in house company marketing services. Our professional service Includes:

  • Comparative Market Analysis

  • Advice on Proper Pricing & Offer Terms

  • Exposure to Hundreds of Qualified Buyers Relocating to Denver by Employers

  • Property Showing Coordination, Agent Feedback & Client Reports

  • Professional HD Property Photos & Virtual Tour

  • Professional Property Brochures

  • Yard Sign, Brochure Box & Lockbox

  • Website Marketing on Top Housing Search Engines, Including Realtor.com, Homes.com, REColorado.com & Zillow.com

  • Property Special Feature Cards

  • E-mail Marketing Campaigns to over 10,000 Additional Denver Real Estate Agents

  • Neighborhood Open House

  • Personal Phone Calls to Prospect Lists

  • Exposure on Social Media, Including Facebook & Instagram

  • Personal Blog Post

  • Just Listed Direct Mail Campaign to Neighborhood

LittletonLuxury.jpg

If you are considering selling your home, contact us for a complimentary market analysis. See what your home is really worth, and how much you can save. We go above and beyond the typical agent, offering state of the art technology and fresh marketing ideas to sell your home. Contact us to learn more!

Continued Safe and Flexible Closing Options

As always, Fixed Rate’s  priority is keeping our customers, staff and partners safe as well as being thoughtful and flexible to everyone’s needs. We remain open, fully operational and continue to serve our clients in the safest ways possible. As a reminder, we are pleased to offer the following closing options shown below. Should you choose to close safely in one of our office locations, please note that only Signers to the transaction are permitted to attend closing.

 

Option 1  | No Contact Closing

We are still able to perform entirely electronic and hybrid clsoings utilizing Remote Online Notarization (RON) and e-signing technologies. 

 

Option 2  | Hybrid Closing

This approach is a combination of video conferencing between Notary Public and Signer(s) along with ink signing of paper documents. If a Lender is involved the Lender must be capable of utilizing e-signing technology and allow the use of e-notarization. 

 

Minimal Contact Closings

To adhere to the CDC guidelines and maximize social distancing, this method will reduce the need for technology, extended time frames for document delivery, and special approvals by all parties involved. Enjoy one of your Minimal Contact Closing options as described below: 

 

Option 3  | Curbside Closing

We are offering Curbside Closings, which entails the Signer(s) completing documents that require notarization from their vehicle with the Notary Public present. 

 

Option 4  | Porch Closing

If a Notary Public has been scheduled to conduct the closing at the Signer’s house, the Signer’(s) may request that the Notary Public conduct the closing on the porch or outside the home within six feet of each other. 

 

Option 5  | Traditional Closing In Office

We are still offering office closings by appointment only. Safety is our top priority and we ask that you and our team follow the safety precaution requests when conducting a Traditional closing in office. Please note that only Signer(s) to the transaction are permitted to attend closing. 

 

Please let your closing team know in advance which closing option you prefer, so our team may plan accordingly and prepare you for any special considerations. 

 

Again, we thank you for your loyalty to Fixed Rate Real Estate and trusting us with your business. We are honored to be your Realtors of choice and promise to always provide you best in class service. As we continue through this journey, we are open to your ideas and welcome innovation on how we can continue to serve our customers in the safest manner. 

 

Fixed Rate Real Estate  | 303.910.2552


Hard & Soft Credit Inquiries: What They Are And Why They Matter

A hard inquiry may impact your credit scores and stay on your credit reports for about two years. By contrast, soft credit inquiries won’t affect your scores.

Your pie is divided into slices, each of which represents a different factor that goes into your credit scores. One large slice is your open credit card utilization rate, another is your percentage of on-time payments, another is the length of your credit history and yet another is the number of derogatory marks on your credit reports.

And then there’s a tiny slice that represents your hard credit inquiries. Every time you apply for more credit, you take a small bite out of this slice. But what exactly is a hard inquiry, and how much of an effect does it really have on your credit?

Let’s start with the basics.

What is a hard inquiry?

Hard inquiries (also known as “hard pulls”) generally occur when a financial institution, such as a lender or credit card issuer, checks your credit when making a lending decision. They commonly take place when you apply for a mortgage, loan or credit card, and you typically have to authorize them.

A hard inquiry could lower your scores by a few points, or it may have a negligible effect on your scores. In most cases, a single hard inquiry is unlikely to play a huge role in whether you’re approved for a new card or loan. And the damage to your credit scores usually decreases or disappears even before the inquiry drops off your credit reports for good.

Common Question

How long will a hard inquiry stay on my credit reports?

Generally speaking, hard inquires stay on your credit reports for about two years.

That doesn’t sound so bad, but you may want to think twice before applying for a handful of credit cards at the same time — or even within the span of a few months. Multiple hard inquiries in a short period could lead lenders and credit card issuers to consider you a higher-risk customer, as it suggests you may be short on cash or getting ready to rack up a lot of debt. So consider spreading out your credit card applications.

What is a soft inquiry?

Soft inquiries (also known as “soft pulls”) typically occur when a person or company checks your credit as part of a background check. This may occur, for example, when a credit card issuer checks your credit without your permission to see if you qualify for certain credit card offers. Your employer might also run a soft inquiry before hiring you.

Unlike hard inquiries, soft inquiries won’t affect your credit scores. (They may or may not be recorded in your credit reports, depending on the credit bureau.) Since soft inquiries aren’t connected to a specific application for new credit, they’re only visible to you when you view your credit reports.

Common Question

Will checking my own credit scores result in a hard inquiry?

No. This is reported as a soft inquiry, so it won’t lower your scores. You can check your VantageScore 3.0 credit scores from two major credit bureaus, TransUnion and Equifax, for free at Credit Karma as often as you like without affecting your credit scores.

Examples of hard and soft credit inquiries

The difference between a hard and soft inquiry generally boils down to whether you gave the lender permission to check your credit. If you did, it may be reported as a hard inquiry. If you didn’t, it should be reported as a soft inquiry.

Let’s look at some examples of when a hard inquiry or a soft inquiry might be placed on your credit reports. Note: The following lists are not exhaustive and should be treated as a general guide.

Common hard inquiries

  • Mortgage applications

  • Auto loan applications

  • Credit card applications

  • Student loan applications

  • Personal loan applications

  • Apartment rental applications

Common soft inquiries

  • Checking your credit score on Credit Karma

  • “Pre-qualified” credit card offers

  • “Pre-qualified” insurance quotes

  • Employment verification (i.e. background check)

Keep in mind, there are other types of credit checks that could show up as either a hard or soft inquiry. For example, utility, cable, internet and cellphone providers will often check your credit.

If you’re unsure how a particular inquiry will be classified, ask the company, credit card issuer or financial institution involved to distinguish whether it’s a hard or soft credit inquiry.

How to dispute hard credit inquiries

We recommend checking your credit reports often. If you spot any errors, such as a hard inquiry that occurred without your permission, consider disputing it with the credit bureau. You may also contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for further assistance.

This could be a sign of identity theft according to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus. At the very least, you’ll want to look into it and understand what’s going on.

Keep in mind, you can only dispute hard inquiries that occur without your permission. If you’ve authorized a hard inquiry, it generally takes two years to fall off your credit reports.

How to minimize the impact of hard credit inquiries

When you’re buying a home or car, don’t let a fear of racking up multiple hard inquiries stop you from shopping for the lowest interest rates.

FICO gives you a 30-day grace period before certain loan inquiries are reflected in your FICO® credit scores. And FICO may record multiple inquires for the same type of loan as a single inquiry as long as they’re made within a certain window. For FICO scores calculated from older versions of the scoring formula, this window is 14 days; for FICO scores calculated from the newest versions of the scoring formula, it’s 45 days.

Similarly, the VantageScore model gives you a rolling two-week window to shop for the best interest rates for certain loans. “That way, they only impact your credit score once,” the company says.

Bottom line

Your credit scores play a big role in your financial well-being. Before applying for credit, take time to build your credit scores. With stronger credit, you may improve your chances of being approved for the financial products you want at the best possible terms and rates.

To help you keep track of hard inquiries that may influence your credit scores, check your credit report from TransUnion at Credit Karma. While one hard inquiry may knock a few points off your scores, multiple inquiries in a short amount of time may cause more damage.