Picture of Kevin McCall

Kevin McCall

Kevin brings 20 years of hands-on leadership to the blog, where he shares what he’s learned about managing money and navigating credit. He’s always looking for ways to improve how Viking Capital works with homeowners, ensuring the loan process is as smooth as possible. For Kevin, it’s all about looking forward and making sure we’re always doing our best work for the people we serve.

Articles by Kevin McCall

Credit Score

Why Did My Credit Score Go Down For No Reason?

Key Takeaways Seeing your credit score drop can be frustrating—especially when you feel like you’ve done everything right. Many people assume a lower score must be tied to reckless spending or missed payments, but in reality, credit scores can change for a variety of less obvious reasons. From temporary balance

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Money Considerations

How Do I Create A Pool Budget (Construction + Maintenance + Financing)?

Key Takeaways Installing a swimming pool is an exciting investment that can transform your backyard into a personal oasis — but it’s not without financial complexity. Whether you’re envisioning a sleek in-ground design or a more affordable above-ground alternative, creating a detailed pool budget is essential to keep your project

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Money Considerations

What Features Add The Most Value To A Pool? (Vs. Which Ones Can Wait)

Key Takeaways When designing a pool, it’s essential to think beyond aesthetics and consider long-term value. Features should be chosen not only for how they enhance your experience now but also for their impact on resale value, maintenance needs, and energy costs. Balancing your budget with your priorities means understanding

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Home with backyard landscaping and pool construction
Money Considerations

What If My Pool Project Goes Over My Approved Loan Amount?

Key Takeaways Planning a swimming pool can be one of the most exciting home improvement projects, but it’s not without its financial challenges. Even with a loan secured, many homeowners find themselves facing unexpected costs that push their pool project over budget. From hidden excavation problems to last-minute design upgrades,

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couple Infront of pool holding a clipboard with a credit score graph
Money Considerations

How Couples Can Prepare Their Joint Credit Profile For A Pool Loan

Key Takeaways Installing a pool is a dream for many homeowners—but financing it often requires a significant loan. For couples applying together, this means preparing more than just their savings; it means aligning and optimizing their joint credit profile. Because lenders assess both applicants’ financial histories, credit behavior, and debt

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Credit Score

How To Time A Pool Loan Application To Maximize Your Credit Score

Key Takeaways Securing a pool loan isn’t just about finding the right lender—it’s also about applying at the right time. Your credit score, debt levels, and income stability all influence the loan offers you’ll receive, and these factors can change from month to month. By understanding how credit scoring works

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credit score words with a 'rebuilding' block being placed
Credit Score

Rebuilding Credit After A Denied Pool Loan: What’s Next?

Key Takeaways Getting denied for a pool loan can be disappointing—especially when you’re eager to make your backyard dream a reality. A denial doesn’t mean the dream is out of reach; it simply signals that it’s time to strengthen your financial foundation. With a little patience and strategic action, you’ll

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A split image: one side showing a person alone pondering by a backyard pool blueprint, the other side showing two people discussing finances with a loan document.
Money Considerations

Is It Better To Apply For A Pool Loan Alone Or With A Co-Signer?

Key Takeaways When planning to finance a swimming pool, one critical decision borrowers face is whether to apply for the loan alone or with a co-signer. While going solo offers independence, bringing in a co-signer could significantly improve your chances of approval and secure better loan terms. Understanding the role

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A credit report with a good score on a clipboard. Right Side: A beautiful backyard swimming pool.
Credit Score

How To Keep A Healthy Credit Score While Paying Off A Pool Loan

Key Takeaways How to Budget for a Pool Loan Payment Taking on a pool loan means adding a fixed monthly payment to your financial responsibilities. To prevent financial strain and avoid late payments, consider these budgeting strategies: Tips on Choosing the Right Pool Loan Selecting the right loan upfront makes

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Loan Terms

* Loan terms and availability vary based on borrower qualifications and are subject to change without notice. Monthly payment amounts are for demonstrative purposes only and are not guaranteed to match final payment amounts for all borrowers. Your Viking Capital Loan Representative will go over all your loan options and their respective terms and payment amounts.