Hard Inquiry
Defined by Onias Derilus, Mortgage Capital · NMLS# 1859012 · Florida licensed mortgage broker
A hard inquiry is a credit check triggered when you apply for new credit, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points.
What Hard Inquiry means
Mortgage rate shopping within a short window counts as a single inquiry for scoring. So comparing lenders does not stack penalties. Unlike a soft inquiry, a hard pull is visible to lenders and tied to an application.
Florida example
A buyer compared three Florida lenders within two weeks. The multiple hard inquiries counted as one, so the score dipped only slightly.
What it is
A hard inquiry is a credit check tied to a loan application. It can lower your score by a few points for a short time.
Rate shopping in a tight window usually counts as one.
Why it matters
Too many hard inquiries can ding your score, so time your applications. Shopping smart protects your credit.
We help you time your credit pulls right. Reach out and we will protect your score.
Related program: Learn more →