Improving Your Credit Scores

If you have credit that is not-so-good, it's not the end of the world. There are things you can do to repair your situation and get on track.

1. Get A Handle on Your Financial Situation. Don't hide from your finances--take a good hard look at them. Obtain a copy of of your credit report from the three main financial institutions. The credit reporting agencies are required to give you a free copy of your report if you've been turned down for credit within the last 30 days. Otherwise, the cost to get your report is around $10. It's well worth the investment to straighten out your finances.

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
1-(800)-685-1111

Experian (formerly TRW)
National Consumer Assistance Center
PO Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
1-(888)-397-3742

Trans Union Corp.
760 W. Sproul Road
Springfield, PA 19064-0390
1-(800)-888-4213

2. Begin Repairing Your Credit Immediately. Start now doing what you can to remove the negative aspects of your credit report.  This may involve paying for collection accounts and disputing invalid information. Document your conversations with the credit reporting agencies and keep the letters you send to them in a file for future reference.

3. Talk with your Realtor to see if you are currently in the situation to purchase a home. Many people are surprised to find that there are actually financing options available to those with less than perfect credit. Talk with your Realtor who can connect you with the appropriate lending institution to see if you are eligible.