One of the best means to obtain a lower mortgage rate is to improve your credit score. Higher credit scores can grant you access to lower rates and more beneficial loan programs. So, if you are concerned with keeping your credit score in good standing, or gradually improving your score over a period of a time, they're some simple things to implement. The most successful methods to keep a consistently good credit score are as follows:

• Pay your bills on time, every time. This is particularly true for your credit cards, rent or utility bills. If you miss a payment date by a couple days, call the servicer as soon as possible to make the payment and request a one-time forgiveness.
• Maintain your credit card balances below 25% of the limit. This aids in maintaining a good debt-to-credit ratio.
• Pay off credit cards, but keep them active and utilize them intermittently.

The last method might be challenging as you will need to resist the pull to use the available credit for non-essential purchases. However, your credit score gets better the longer that your accounts are open and current. Lastly, you can speak to a financial planner to design a personalized credit improvement plan for your specific needs. Creating this relationship can greatly assist in improving your future mortgage costs.