Credit, Mortgages, and the Path to Homeownership

Promotional graphic for a live #CreditChat titled “Credit, Mortgages, and the Path to Homeownership.” Event is July 8, 2026, from 3–4 PM ET on X. Image shows a couple unpacking boxes in a new home, with Experian branding.

Join our weekly #CreditChat, launched in 2012 to help our community strengthen their understanding of credit and key personal finance topics such as saving, managing debt, and building healthier credit scores. Hosted by @Experian on X (formerly Twitter), the conversation is open to everyone—feel free to DM us with any questions.

This week’s #CreditChat explores how credit plays a key role in the homebuying journey. We’ll cover what lenders look for, how to prepare your credit, and steps to position yourself for mortgage approval. Join us to better understand the path to homeownership.

Topic: Credit, Mortgages, and the Path to Homeownership

When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Where: Join the live hashtag discussion

The panel will include: Jeanne Kelly: Credit expert, identity theft expert, speaker and founder of JeanneKelly.net; Todd Christensen: AFCPE® Accredited Financial Counselor®, Author of Everyday Money for Everyday People, and Education Manager at MoneyFit.org; Nia Adams: Speaker, Real Estate Investor, Author and Founder of PerspectivesChange.com; Diane Gardner, CFP®, CDFA®: Financial Advisor at LPL Financial; Raya Reaves: Founder and Finance Coach of City Girl Savings, LLC; Ilyce Glink: Real Estate and Financial Wellness expert, author, speaker, entrepreneur and founder of ThinkGlink.com; Beverly Harzog: Host of Money & Retirement on YouTube, Consumer Credit Expert and Best-Selling Author; Kamila Elliott, CFP®: Co-Founder and Senior Wealth Advisor at CollectiveWealthPartners.com; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.

Questions we’ll discuss:
1: What are some of the biggest questions or concerns people may have about buying a home today?

2: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about credit before starting the homebuying process?

3: Whether you’re planning to buy soon or years from now, what’s the first step you think someone should take to prepare for homeownership?

4: Credit habits matter long before you apply for a mortgage. What are some everyday financial habits that can help build or maintain healthy credit over time?

5: Besides your credit score, what are some factors lenders consider when reviewing a mortgage application?

6: Mortgage rates get a lot of attention, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle. What factors would influence your decision about how much house you can comfortably afford?

7: Many people focus only on saving for a down payment. What other homebuying costs should future homeowners plan for?

8: What’s one common myth you’ve heard about credit or qualifying for a mortgage that you’d like to see debunked?

9: If you could give one piece of advice to a first-time homebuyer about credit, mortgages, or the buying process, what would it be?

10: As we wrap up today’s #CreditChat, what’s one action you’ll take – or encourage someone else to take – to move one step closer to successful homeownership?

Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.

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