Does Pulling My Credit Hurt My Score When Applying for a Mortgage in Phoenix or Scottsdale?

It’s one of the most common questions I get from first-time buyers and even realtors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and across Maricopa County:
"If a lender pulls my credit, will my score drop?"

Just this week, I had two borrowers and one realtor reach out with this exact concern. In all three cases, their credit had already been pulled by another lender — which meant I could reassure them: as long as you’re within the 30–45 day window from the first mortgage credit pull, there’s no extra hit to your score.

Let’s break this down so you can feel confident moving forward with your Arizona home loan.

Soft Pull vs. Hard Pull — What Arizona Homebuyers Need to Know

Soft Pull

• Happens when you check your own credit or when a lender pre-screens you

• Does not impact your credit score

• Doesn’t show up on your credit report as an inquiry

• Great for monitoring your credit health before starting the homebuying process in Phoenix or Scottsdale

Hard Pull

• Happens when a lender checks your credit for a loan application (mortgage, auto, personal loan)

• Can lower your score by up to 3 points temporarily

• Shows up on your credit report as an inquiry

• Required for a full mortgage pre-approval in Arizona

Why Multiple Mortgage Inquiries Don’t Always Lower Your Score

Credit scoring models (like FICO) know that when you’re shopping for a mortgage, you might talk to multiple lenders. That’s why:

• All mortgage credit pulls within a 30–45 day window count as ONE inquiry for scoring purposes

• This allows you to compare rates and programs without worrying about damaging your score

Example:
If a Scottsdale lender pulled your credit on June 1st and a Phoenix lender pulls it on June 15th, it’s treated as a single inquiry.

How Long Do Inquiries Stay on Your Credit Report in Arizona?

• Mortgage inquiries remain visible for two years on your report

• The small points you lose from a hard pull usually return within 30 days

• Scores after a hard pull are the most accurate for loan qualification because they use FICO mortgage scoring models, not the higher “Vantage” scores from free apps

Want to See Your Credit Without Affecting Your Score?

If you’d like a free soft pull that won’t affect your credit score, you can use my Empire Vault App.
It’s a quick, secure way to see where you stand before moving forward with a mortgage application in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or anywhere in Maricopa County.

👉 Click here to register for your free Empire Vault App account

The Bottom Line for Phoenix & Scottsdale Buyers

If you’re within the 30–45 day window from your first mortgage credit pull, another lender pulling your credit will not lower your score again.
The key is to work with a local lender who will guide you through the process, help you compare loan options, and get you pre-approved with confidence.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or anywhere in Maricopa County, let’s talk. I’ll walk you through the process, pull your credit when it makes sense, and explain exactly what’s happening every step of the way — no surprises, no hassle.

Schedule Your Free Home Loan Consultation