ABCs of understanding mortgage credit:
The mortgage industry tends to create its own language and credit rating is no exception. BC Mortgage lending gets its name from the grading of one's credit based on such things such as payment history, amount of debt payments, bankruptcies, equity position, credit scores, etc.

We have compiled a guide to help you estimate your credit grade. This is only a guide as many companies have exceptions that may result in more strict or more lenient guidelines.

A General Guide to Credit Grades

Score Ratio LTV 30 60 90 30 60 90 30 60 90
A+ 670 36 95 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0
A- 660 45 95 1 0 0 3 1 0 2 0 0
B 620 50 85 2 1 0 4 2 1 3 1 0
C 580 55 75 4 2 1 6 5 2 5 4 1
D 550 60 70 5 3 2 8 8 4 7 6 2
E 520 65 60 6 4 3 10 10 6 10 8 3

Credit Debt Max Mortgage Revolve Install

Ratio LTV 30 60 90 30 60 90 30 60 90
550 60 70 5 3 2 8 8 4 7 6 2
520 65 60 6 4 3 10 10 6 10 8 3

Bankruptcy/Foreclosure
A+ None Allowed Within 10 years
A- Minimum 2 Years, Re-Established Credit
B Minimum 2 Years, Some Lates
C Minimum 1 Year
D Discharged Possible Current The figures shown here are estimates. When trying to figure your credit grade, keep in mind the following principles:

Other Things Being Equal
When you have derogatory credit, all of the other aspects of the loan need to be in order. Equity, stability, income, documentation, assets, etc. play a larger role in the approval decision.

Worst Case Scenario
When determining your grade, various combinations are allowed, but the worst case will push your grade to a lower credit guide. Mortgage Lates and Bankruptcies are the most important.

Going Once, Going Twice
Credit patterns are very important. A high number of recent inquiries and more than a few outstanding loans may signal a problem. A "willingness to pay" is important, thus late payments in the same time period is better than random lates as they signal an effort to pay even after falling behind.