Q: Should I improve my credit score before applying for a mortgage?
A: Every individual's credit report is unique, but by paying down debts — such as on credit-card balances — "substantial" improvements to your score* are possible. Doing so before you apply for a mortgage not only will improve your chances for approval.

*Link to third-party money.com article. It is free to read and we are not making any profit by including this link.