How Credit Impacts Housing: Insights from Credit Strategist Brian Blackmore

For many prospective homeowners and renters, credit is the invisible force that determines access to stable housing. Whether it’s securing a mortgage with favorable terms, avoiding steep security deposits or qualifying for homeownership, credit plays a pivotal role in financial stability.

To shed light on how credit challenges impact housing access, we spoke with Brian Blackmore, founder of BK Credit Consultants. With nearly two decades in finance, Blackmore has helped thousands of clients rebuild their credit and unlock financial opportunities. His insights provide invaluable knowledge for housing professionals working with credit-challenged individuals.

Building a Career in Credit Consulting

Brian Blackmore’s journey into credit consulting was shaped by his experience in the banking industry, where he observed firsthand how credit scores dictated people’s financial opportunities.

“I’ve been in finance since 2007, working with all the major banks,” Blackmore explains. “I used to wonder—how do people afford these things? Then I realized that credit was essential. Before I knew anything about it, I saw that it determined access to housing, cars, even necessities like utilities.”

In 2016, Blackmore launched BK Credit Consultants to help individuals gain a true understanding of credit and how it affects every aspect of life. His mission is to educate and empower people so that poor credit does not keep them trapped in cycles of financial hardship.

The Biggest Credit Mistakes People Make

One of the most common mistakes Blackmore sees is maxing out credit cards as soon as they are obtained.

“Credit card utilization is the number one issue,” he says. “People think of credit cards as extra money instead of a financial tool. They max them out immediately, not realizing that utilization plays a huge role in credit scores.”

Another major issue is misinformation. “There’s so much bad advice out there,” he explains. “People hear things like ‘keep your utilization at 30%,’ but in reality, the lower, the better. Social media is full of myths and many people don’t know who to trust when it comes to building their credit the right way.”

Why Some People Struggle to Improve Their Credit

Despite having access to financial education, many individuals struggle to improve their credit scores. Blackmore believes it often comes down to ingrained financial habits and a lack of early education.

Beyond knowledge gaps, discipline plays a crucial role. “You have to be uncomfortable for a while if you really want to fix your credit. That might mean skipping vacations, eating at home instead of going out, and resisting impulse spending. Credit improvement requires sacrifice, and not everyone is willing to make it.”

A Shocking Misuse of Credit That Backfired

Over the years, Blackmore has seen some extreme misuses of credit, but one case stands out.

“There was a guy I helped build his credit up to a 750,” he recalls. “He got the big credit card limits—Chase, Bank of America, all the major banks. Then he got the bright idea that he could pay his rent with his credit card. Instead of using it responsibly, he maxed out his cards to prepay a full year’s rent and then just let the cards go. Essentially, he lived rent-free for a year, but completely tanked his credit in the process.”

Blackmore refused to work with him again when he returned looking for another credit repair. “That’s just unbelievable to me,” he says. “Credit should be used wisely, not as a loophole to avoid responsibilities. If you don’t learn the right habits, it’s just a revolving door—you’ll fix it and then ruin it all over again.”

Trends in the Credit Industry and Debt Collection

Blackmore has noticed major shifts in the credit industry, particularly in debt collection practices.

“Debt collectors aren’t as aggressive as they used to be,” he notes. “The harassing calls at work and home have decreased thanks to new regulations. Now, more information is sent via email or mail, making the process less stressful for consumers.”

However, he also points out troubling trends. “Two of the three major credit bureaus are currently being sued for failing to investigate disputes properly. Lenders have also been allowed to put removed debts back on credit reports without cause. This is why organizations like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are so important—they hold these financial institutions accountable.” Consumers should be aware that the future of the CFPB is in question.

The Keys to Maintaining Good Credit

When it comes to maintaining good credit, Blackmore emphasizes one thing above all: discipline.

“Credit is about showing that you have access to money but knowing how to manage it responsibly,” he says. “I tell my clients all the time—if you can’t manage a $500 credit card, you won’t be able to manage a $5,000 one.”

He also warns against quick fixes. “You see people buy ‘authorized user’ trade lines thinking it’ll boost their score, but lenders know what’s real. You need your own credit history, your own accounts. Building credit the right way takes time.”

Policy Changes That Could Help Credit-Challenged Consumers

If Blackmore could push for policy changes, he would advocate for lower credit card interest rates and proactive limits on credit misuse.

“Interest rates are almost 30%, which makes it nearly impossible for people to pay down their debt,” he says. “Also, banks should have better technology to identify when someone is spiraling into unmanageable debt. If a credit card balance jumps from $200 to $1,500 in a short time, maybe the card should be temporarily paused instead of letting them dig a deeper hole.”

The Role of BlueHub SUN in Helping Homeowners

As someone passionate about financial empowerment, Blackmore has deep respect for the work of BlueHub SUN.

“The work they do is God’s work,” he says. “They give people a second chance to stay in their homes, which is life-changing. Hard times can happen to anyone, and BlueHub SUN provides real solutions.”

Final Thoughts: What Housing Professionals Can Do

For housing professionals working with credit-challenged clients, Blackmore believes that education is key.

“Keep spreading financial literacy, even when it feels like no one is listening,” he advises. “This work is a ministry—you may not see the impact immediately, but you’re planting the seeds for a better future.”

By understanding how credit works and providing resources for clients, housing professionals can play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of financial hardship. With experts like Brian Blackmore leading the way, more individuals can achieve stable housing and long-term financial success.