💳
Hard vs. Soft
Credit Inquiries
What Kentucky Homebuyers Need to Know
Joel Lobb | Kentucky Mortgage Expert
Quick Reference Guide
🟢 Soft Pull
- No credit score impact
- Pre-qualification only
- Not visible to lenders
- No authorization needed
🔵 Hard Pull
- Required for approval
- Minor impact (under 5 pts)
- Visible for 2 years
- Multiple = 1 (30-45 days)
Joel Lobb | (502) 905-3708
🔴 What Is a Hard Inquiry?
Used for Official Loan Applications
- 📋 Requires your authorization
- 👀 Visible to other lenders
- 📉 Drops score 3-5 points temporarily
- ⏰ Stays on report for 2 years
- ✅ Required for mortgage pre-approval
Joel Lobb | Kentucky Loan Officer
🟢 What Is a Soft Inquiry?
Used for Pre-Qualification & Exploration
- ✨ Zero impact on credit score
- 🔒 Not visible to other lenders
- 📱 No formal application needed
- 💡 Perfect for exploring options
- 🎯 See what you can afford first
Joel Lobb | NMLS #57916
Credit Score Impact
Soft Inquiry
0
Points Lost
No Impact!
Hard Inquiry
3-5
Points Lost
Temporary & Minor
Joel Lobb | Kentucky Mortgages
💡
Pro Tip for Rate Shopping
Multiple mortgage hard inquiries within 30-45 days count as ONE INQUIRY for credit scoring purposes.
Shop around without fear!
Joel Lobb | (502) 905-3708
Best Practices: 6-12 Months Before Buying
1
Avoid New Credit
No new car loans, credit cards, or retail financing
2
Pay Down Debt
Reduce credit card balances below 30% of limits
3
Stay Current
Make all payments on time, every time
4
Get Soft Pull Pre-Qual
Check where you stand with ZERO score impact
Joel Lobb | Kentucky Housing Expert
Ready to Get Started?
🏡 Get a Soft Pull Pre-Qualification
See what you can afford with ZERO impact to your credit score
📞 (502) 905-3708
📧 kentuckyloan@gmail.com
FHA
VA
USDA
KHC
Conventional
Joel Lobb | 20+ Years Experience | 1,300+ Kentucky Families Helped
NMLS #57916 | Equal Housing Lender
