<prompt> Human: Hi Everyone!I am 22 years old and I live in California. I have recently begun looking into obtaining a mortgage with my fiancé. We live in a fairly high cost area with small single family homes in the 550k range. I am planning on purchasing a townhome in the 320-360k range. We will each be placing 50k down for a total of 100k. I own my own business and make 120k year. she works in day care and earns a little over 25k so paying for it shouldnt be an issue. I have met with a family friend who is a mortgage loan officer and after running my credit I have a 651 credit score due to some unpaid ER bills 5000 when I was in a mtn bike crash at 18. He recommend that I do not pay the debt as in the short term it could lower my score even more. My fiancé doesnt have any debt and her score is in the 750 range. He said I could likely still qualify but my rate will be about 50 higher than if I I had a credit score in the 720 range. My questions are:1 is it worth it to wait and improve my credit and rent for a year to obtain the lower rate? If so what is your opinion on paying off the medical debt. 2 He recommend I meet with a credit repair company. Has anyone had any luck with such services? Thanks so much!  <response>: Just based on what you posted, I would be wary of your family friends advice. I cant believe someone worth their salt would recommend a credit repair company if this item is the only problem. You should speak to some other lenders. 