What factors are key influences on a borrower's credit score?

The correct answer focuses on key aspects that directly impact a borrower's credit score. Payment history is crucial because it reflects a borrower's track record of managing debt, including on-time payments and any missed or late payments, which significantly influence creditworthiness.

Credit utilization is another critical factor, representing the ratio of a borrower's credit card balances to their credit limits. A lower ratio typically indicates responsible credit management, thereby positively affecting the credit score.

Length of credit history also plays a significant role, as a longer credit history can demonstrate reliability and experience in handling credit accounts. Together, these three factors make up the foundation of credit scoring models used by lenders to assess potential borrowers.

In contrast, the other options include factors that, while important in different contexts such as loan approval or general financial health, do not affect credit scores directly. Income level, employment history, and marital status relate more to a borrower’s ability to repay a loan rather than their credit score. Similarly, property value, down payment amount, loan term, interest rate, lender type, and loan purpose are all elements associated with the loan itself and do not influence credit scores.