Welcome back, Noyackers!

That “great” score in your banking app? Mortgage lenders don’t use it. They pull three different scores—old FICO models most people don’t track—and price your loan on the middle one (or the lowest if you’re applying with a partner). The result: higher rates, PMI you didn’t expect, or even a denied approval.

Here’s the good news: the rules are shifting. VantageScore 4.0 is finally joining the mix, which means positive habits like paying rent and utilities on time can start boosting your chances. In this week’s Noyack Wealth Weekly, we break down:

• How the “middle score” really works today

• Why co-borrowing can sometimes hurt more than help

• What VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T will reward in the next 12–24 months

• The exact 30-, 60-, and 90-day moves to fix your weakest score first and protect your mortgage options

This shift could mean the difference between renting for another five years or finally owning a home.

🎙️ The Noyack Expert Series

This week, CJ sits down with Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, for an unfiltered look at the state of housing. If you’re trying to time your first purchase—or wondering if relief is anywhere in sight—this is the expert take you can’t afford to miss.

This Week's Wealth Resources 

• Dual Credit Score Self Audit – Find your middle score and keep the future models in mind. 

• Credit Dispute Checklist – What to watch out for, a working checklist to track your disputes, and an email template to make things a little easier.

• Solo vs. Joint Application Assessment – Compare your loan situation in both scenarios and get a grasp on key elements that go into a loan such as a mortgage.

Until next Sunday,

—CJ & The NOYACK Team
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