I have scores in the mid 600s up to about 680. I am closing on a house in 2 weeks. My CRs are clean for the last 3 years, before that, there are several lates all of which are 3+ years old still listed. I have about $7000 in CC debt that I want to combine all into one card. I'm wondering if I should wait to apply for a new card until after the mortgage shows on the reports or do it right after closing before the mortgage tradeline shows up. To put my question succinctly...is a brand new mortgage likely to increase or decrease my score? Thanks
