How Many Credit Scores Do You Have?

Tommy Lawing • October 14, 2020

Equifax, Experian, TransUnion ...and... FICO and VantageScore

We purchase the same 5-page Tenant Screening Report and we use the same credit scoring model on every rental applicant but there is still skepticism.

An applicant recently complained that her credit score was 100 points higher than what we said and, surprise!, both of us were correct! That’s right! The same credit bureau had reported different scores for the same person and only 10 days apart. Here is what we learned ….

Everyone knows there are 3 national credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TranUnion – but did you know there are 11 FICO methods plus 2 VantageScore methods which they use to produce your score? It all depends on the risks being assessed? In short, there are large differences in the risk-assessment for a credit card application, a car, a mortgage or a lease and, thus, there are different credit scores for each.

Each bureau strives to be the best but that, too, causes different scores. For instance, Experian uses FICO Auto Score 2, Equifax uses FICO Auto Score 5 and TransUnion uses Auto Score 4 for auto lending and equally varied methods for mortgage lending and apartment leasing. Each version treats late payments, high balances near the limit and recently opened credit accounts slightly different.

Also, FICO weighs utilization of credit as 30% of its score while VantageScore places a heavier 45% on how much credit is being used. FICO gives a total of 25% to the age and type of credit history while VantageScore only gives these factors 13% of its score.

In short, my credit score and your credit score can vary greatly simply depending on which credit bureau and what type of risk being assessed.

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Rental Real Talk

Charlotte Area Real Estate Outlook — Spring 2026

By Joe Rempson • February 25, 2026

Market Overview (Home Sales & Prices) For buyers and sellers alike, the Charlotte metro continues shifting toward a more balanced market . Inventory has improved compared with past years, creating more choices and reducing frenetic buy-ups. Home values are rising modestly , helping sustain long-term market health without overheating. Starter and entry-level homes remain scarce — which keeps demand strong in that segment. Single-Family Rental (SFR) Market Snapshot Strong demand in the suburbs: Suburban areas around Charlotte (e.g., Indian Trail, Gastonia, Huntersville) have seen significant demand for single-family rentals due to remote work, quality schools, and lifestyle preferences. Rents on single-family homes in the region have grown faster than some apartment rents, reflecting tight availability and sustained interest among families and longer-term renters. Rent levels & trends: The overall rental market in Charlotte shows an average rent around ~$1,940/month across all types, with single-family units often fetching higher or competitive rates. Local data indicates single-family rents have increased over recent years, driven by limited supply of affordable homes for purchase and strong net migration to the region. Investment appeal: Investors are seeing solid returns in SFR properties , especially where purchase prices are below metro norms and rental demand is strong (e.g., near good schools or employment centers). While rents have been rising, the pace is moderating compared with peaks during post-pandemic demand surges, creating more predictable cash-flow dynamics for long-term buy-and-hold strategies. What This Means for You Buyers & Investors ✔ More balanced conditions make it easier to compare options. ✔ Single-family rentals remain a strong investment niche, especially in growing suburbs. ✔ Keep an eye on rent growth moderation — pricing strategies and property condition matter more than ever. Renters ✔ Strong renter demand means well-priced homes still lease quickly. ✔ Rental rates are elevated compared with pre-pandemic, but supply trends may help slow future increases. Albemarle, NC — Housing & Rental Market Highlights Home Sales & Prices Median home values in Albemarle are around ~$250K with a slight year-over-year softening or modest change depending on the source, indicating a relatively stable, moderate market compared with larger metros. Home listings show solid activity but homes may take longer than in the past to sell, suggesting more balanced conditions between buyers and sellers. Rental Market — Single-Family & Overall Median rent for listed rentals is approximately $1,497/month , though smaller “average rent” indexes suggest typical rents around ~$1,140–$1,170/month across the broader rental base. Rental listings in Albemarle are growing year-over-year (many more rentals now available than last year), even as median rent has softened slightly — a sign of more options for renters. Single-family rentals in smaller cities like Albemarle remain relatively affordable compared with markets in larger NC metros, making them appealing to families or long-term renters. Shelby, NC — Housing & Rental Market Snapshot Home Sales & Prices The median sale price of homes in Shelby has risen notably (~+13% year-over-year) , with homes selling in under about 80–90 days — reasonable activity for this market size. This price growth suggests stronger demand or tighter supply locally compared with broader rural trends in North Carolina. Rental Market — Including SFR Average rents in Shelby are relatively affordable at about ~$992/month , lower than many other NC regions. Rent levels have seen a slight decrease or remained flat in the last year, indicating relatively soft rental growth — but still steady demand for housing. Because average rents are lower, single-family rentals can present solid cash-flow potential for local investors purchasing below or near median home values, especially as home prices rise. Outlook — Albemarle & Shelby Smaller NC markets like Albemarle and Shelby currently show: Stable or modest home price trends with some localized growth. Affordable rent levels compared with national averages. Rental demand that supports single-family rentals cost-effectively, even if rent growth is softer. That makes both areas attractive for investors interested in single-family rentals who want markets with lower entry costs and steady rental income potential, while local buyers and renters benefit from affordability and increasing housing options .