If you have a good FICO credit score (670-739) very good (740-799) or exceptional (800-850) you will qualify for some perks. The higher your score the better.

The average credit score for most Americans is around 717. Your credit score is based on the information in your credit report. Each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) generate a credit report based on how you use your various lines of credit.

There are five factors that make up your FICO score.

• Payment history (35 percent): Payment history is a record of payments on your credit accounts. It includes on-time payments, late payments, defaults (Instances where you failed to pay back a loan or credit card debt) and collections (accounts that have been turned over to a collection agency due to non-payment)
• Amounts owed (30 percent): FICO looks at both the total amount owed across all your accounts and your credit utilization on revolving accounts. Your credit utilization ratio is your current credit balance compared to the amount of credit available to you.
• Length of credit history (15 percent): This is the length of time your credit accounts have been open.
• Credit mix (10 percent): This is the mix of credit types in your account. Creditors like to see that you can manage both revolving credit, like a credit card, and installment loans, like a home or auto loan.
• New credit (10 percent): This shows how often you have applied for new lines of credit. Each time you apply for credit an inquiry is placed, soft inquiries (may happen when a credit card issuer checks your credit without your consent to see if you qualify for certain credit card offers, or an employer might run a soft inquiry as part of your job application process). don’t typically influence your credit score, but hard inquiries (when you apply for a mortgage, loan or credit card) can.

There are steps you can take to improve your credit score, see my article How to Improve Your Credit Score

Here are 4 perks you might receive with a good credit score.

1. You will more easily qualify for new credit. Since your credit score is a way for lenders to measure your credit worthiness a higher score signals to lenders that you are more likely to make on time payments. So, whether it’s a home loan, car loan or new credit card application your chances of being approved are better with a higher score. You will also qualify for higher credit limits. For credit cards in particular, having a higher credit limit benefits you in a few ways. You will be able to pay your bills without worrying about reaching your limit and it can also improve your credit score because it helps keep your credit utilization low. Your credit utilization ratio is a measure of how much credit you’ve used versus how much credit you have. A lower credit utilization ratio is better for your credit score.
2. Utility companies also look at your credit score and may not require a deposit if you have a higher score. Utility companies often require a security deposit which acts as collateral if a customer does not pay their bill. A higher score demonstrates to the utility companies that you are a responsible payer.
3. Insurance companies will often offer a lower rate if your score is good. Most insurance companies run a credit check on their customers, they look at customers who have a low rating as potentially costing the company more money so the better your credit score the better your chances are of receiving a lower rate.
4. Employers can request your credit report as part of your job application. (your consent is required). They may see things like late payments and bankruptcies as possible red flags so you might be more likely to get hired with a favorable score.

Your roof is a major investment, and you want to keep it in good repair. Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs.

Replacement

If you need to replace your roof, get several estimates from qualified, licensed, fully insured professionals. Be sure to check their reputation with the better business bureau and ask for references.

Don’t always go with the lowest estimate, quality is important when having a new roof installed. The roofing company should have years of experience and use quality materials. They should provide a contract that you both sign and agree on and their work should come with a written guarantee.

Inspect it Regularly

Inspect your roof several times a year, look for any signs of damage such as worn shingles or gaps and cracks. Inspect the flashing around the chimney and vent pipes and make any necessary repairs.

Clean The Gutters

Clogged gutters can overflow with water causing damage to the roof. Clean your gutters each spring and fall. Consider having gutter guards installed to prevent debris from accumulating in the gutters.

Ventilation and Insulation

Be sure your attic is properly ventilated, during winter ice dams can form causing water to back up below the shingles which allows water to leak into your home. Proper insulation in the attic helps to prevent damage by keeping the heat in your home from escaping through the roof.

Remove Snow

After a heavy snow use a snow rake to remove snow from the roof. When snow accumulates on the roof it can damage the roof and cause the roof to collapse.

Trim Trees

Keep trees near your house trimmed and healthy, fallen limbs can cause damage and overhanging branches can come down during a storm, leaving a hole in the roof. Falling leaves can also build up on your shingles and trap moisture underneath, causing premature roof decay. Limbs that are too close to the house can also allow squirrels and other animals to enter your home.

Remove Moss and Mold

Algae, moss, and mold can all cause extensive damage to your roof, if you find this on your roof remove it as soon as possible. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Hardware stores sell premixed solutions specifically made for roofs and siding. After the roof has been cleaned you can apply preventative products that keep the algae, moss, and mold from growing back.

Check for Leaks in the Attic and Ceiling

Visually inspect your attic and ceilings for any signs of leaking or water damage.

Get a Roof Inspection

Hire a roofing specialist to perform an inspection every few years or after a storm. A professional can spot signs of decay and damage that may not be obvious to the homeowner.