If you are looking for a new home, you are probably aware that your Credit Score is a CRITICAL item in determining your interest rate and possibly how much house you can buy / qualify for!
We talk to people every week who receive a copy of their credit report, see some derogatory remarks from 2005 and immediately start writing dispute letters.
This might not be your best strategy (each case is different of course), because the credit score is really an indication of what you are about to do. It tries to PREDICT what your credit behavior is going to be based upon RECENT activity.
So what happened 3 years ago, is not really as important as what happened 18 months ago! If it is a MEDICAL COLLECTION - there's a possibility it won't have to be paid... most judgments and liens will have to be cleared before you can get a mortgage.
If you are considering a purchase, and want to know more about your particular credit report and circumstances, to get pre-qualified... call Steve and Eleanor Thorne, First Financial Services, 919-851-3031 x 104.
Eleanor - You are so right! I see many clients who are worried about old derogatory items where the most recent activity is what influences their credit score more than anything else! Great info
Eleanor,
I tell my buyers that there lender is a member of the team that is helping them reach their goals.
So, they should not do ANYTHING without consulting as to the possible effects.
Thanks Eleanor - good info to pass on to our buyers!
It's a good thing they don't run a credit check on the government loans .... ;-)