Credit Repair Advice

[Valette Adams]

I do not own a home , and about to obtain my real estate license ( NY ).  My current credit score average 680, and I have a $15,000 judgement on my report. I was told my average will probably remain there because of deficit.

I can qualify for a loan to pay it off, so should I go for a higher credit score and get the loan ?

Or should I apply for a mortgage at a higher rate?