I'm a first time home buyer in Atlanta?

Your mortgage broker should provide you with a copy of your credit report and credit score. You can order a copy of your credit score directly from one of the big three agencies (equifax, experian or trans-union). It'll cost you less than $20. If your score from the agency matches the score that the mortgage broker gave you, then you have your answer. There are ways to raise your score over time (about 6 months) but it sounds like you're ready to buy now.

If you get a mortgage at a higher rate MAKE SURE that there are no pre-payment penalties in the mortgage. That way, you can work on raising your score over the next 6-12 months, and then refinance your mortgage at a better rate once your score increases.

If you want to know more about your credit score, I'd suggest going to this link: http://www.fairisaac.com/NR/rdonlyres/DA689E4A-08E...

Here's a link from MSN Money with tips on improving your credit score: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/YourC...

I hope that helps.

You should most definately pull your own credit. It doesn't cost much, and it will prepare you with the power to shop around.

The depth and breadth of a credit report that a broker or lender will preview is a bit more extensive than simply ordering your own, but it will be close enough to know you're not getting ripped off.

Be careful, some Brokers will say anything to get you into a loan that gives them a higher payday. But do know that not ALL Brokers are like that.

Good Luck.

You should DEFINITELY pull your credit report and score even if you weren't trying to buy a house. Maybe the broker is trying to hustle you into a higher interest rate and extra fees. It helps if you know your own score and items on your report. That way you understand whats going on more. They consider a credit score of 680 as good, so if its below that, you may get people telling you its low, blah blah blah. Shop around for a good mortgage, dont feel pressured to go with this guy. Contact a few different places (brokers and lenders themselves) and dont be afraid to play them against each other for a better deal. Right now the housing market is very good for buyers so use that to your advantage.

Ask your mortgage person if they pulled all three of your scores? Many will only pull one, because of cost, but your other two could be higher. You need to know all three and it should be done by a lender (consumer reports are different than those pulled in the lending world). A government loan of some sort might be right for you as they carry more protection for you and lenders are more likely to grant you financing based upon that lessened risk factor.