Hard Pull vs. Soft Pull: What Every Michigan Homebuyer Needs to Know About Credit Checks
When it comes to checking your credit, not all inquiries are created equal. Whether you're exploring mortgage options or simply reviewing your credit report, it’s important to understand the difference between a hard pull and a soft pull — especially if you're preparing to buy a home in Michigan.
Let’s break down what each one means and how they affect your credit score.
🔍 What Is a Hard Credit Pull?
A hard pull (also called a hard inquiry) occurs when a lender checks your credit as part of making a lending decision. This happens when you apply for things like:
A mortgage loan
A credit card
An auto loan
A personal loan
Key Facts About Hard Pulls:
Impacts Your Score: A hard inquiry can lower your credit score slightly — usually by just a few points.
Visible to Other Lenders: Hard pulls show up on your credit report and can be seen by other financial institutions.
Requires Your Consent: You’ll need to authorize a hard pull in writing or verbally.
Stays on Report: A hard inquiry remains on your credit report for up to 2 years, but the impact fades within a few months.
🧾 What Is a Soft Credit Pull?
A soft pull, or soft inquiry, is a credit check that does not impact your credit score. These are typically used for informational purposes and are not tied to an actual application for new credit.
Common examples of soft pulls include:
Checking your own credit score
Pre-qualification for credit cards or loans
Employment background checks
Insurance quotes
Key Facts About Soft Pulls:
No Impact on Your Score: Soft inquiries do not lower your credit score in any way.
Only Visible to You: These inquiries don’t appear to other lenders, only to you when you review your credit report.
No Formal Consent Needed: Soft pulls can happen without your permission (such as pre-screened offers), but many mortgage lenders still ask for consent as a best practice.
💡 Why the Difference Matters
If you’re preparing to buy a home in Northern Michigan, knowing how your credit is checked — and how often — is a key part of protecting your score.
Too Many Hard Pulls in a short timeframe can flag you as a potential credit risk, which may affect your ability to qualify for the best mortgage rates.
Soft Pulls are a safe way to monitor your credit without risking your score — a great tool if you’re getting financially ready to apply.
✅ Smart Credit Tips for Michigan Homebuyers
Limit Hard Pulls: Only apply for credit when necessary — especially in the months leading up to a mortgage application.
Check Your Score Regularly: Use credit monitoring tools or work with a mortgage advisor (like us!) who can check your score with a soft pull.
Time Your Inquiries: If you're rate-shopping for a mortgage, credit bureaus typically treat multiple hard pulls within a 14–45 day window as a single inquiry — so you can explore options without damaging your score.
🏡 Talk to Real People, Not Just Algorithms
At the Kirby and Angie Mortgage Team, powered by Arch Mortgage – North, we help Michigan buyers make smart, informed decisions every step of the way — starting with credit.
Whether you're just starting your homeownership journey or ready to get pre-approved, we’ll guide you through the process with clarity, honesty, and local expertise.
📍 Serving all of Michigan
