Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Credit Restoration For A Better Credit Score

By Carlton Markkrite

Perhaps you have tried to buy a home recently, only to be turned down for financing on the grounds that your credit score is not high enough. If this has happened to you, then some credit repair is in order. While it is sometimes possible to secure financing even if your credit record has some flaws, the better your credit rating, the lower the interest you'll have to pay - which means more money in your pocket! So how can you get started towards credit restoration?

Getting your payments back on schedule is the first thing you should do. Even if your past credit record is spotty, it's your recent credit history which will make the biggest difference to creditors. Making your payments late can have a serious negative impact on your credit score.

Catching up on your payments is the first step to credit restoration. Consider selling things you don't use, taking a second job or using your tax return to do this - whatever it takes to become current with your payments again will go a long way towards the credit repair you need.

Getting current with payments is a good way to start credit restoration; you'll also want to be sure to request copies of your credit report from all three of the major credit reporting bureaus. Take a close look over your credit report to make sure that everything listed there is accurate. If you see any discrepancies on your credit report, be sure to write to the credit bureau immediately to inform them of this. The credit reporting bureau must look into the discrepancies you have reported within 30 days of receiving your letter.

If there are any old debts that you had forgotten listed on your credit report, now is the time to pay off these debts and wipe the slate clean.

Look at your credit report the same way that someone you are applying for credit with would. Take a look at your credit limits - if they are maxed out, you'll need to pay these down. Creditors prefer people who not only have sizable lines of credit, but those who have low balances on these lines. Make the largest payments you can in order to lower your balances as you work towards credit restoration.

After paying off your credit cards, you should keep the accounts open. An open account with no balance can help your credit score and looks good as far as having unused credit goes. Having several open accounts with zero balances can be a valuable part of any credit repair plan.

Repairing your credit is something which will take a while. It is a process which takes hard work and dedication. It may take a year or even longer, but you'll eventually see your credit score rise and feel as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Start the process of credit restoration today and you'll be able to achieve financial freedom sooner. - 15224

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