Credit Report Errors
The credit reporting industry is far from perfect. And yet your entire financial life depends on the content of your credit report. Two-hundred million consumers have credit records with the three major credit bureaus. Over one-hundred and fifty million of these consumers have errors on their reports. The potential impact of these errors is tremendous. Virtually all lenders, from mortgage lenders to auto finance companies will determine your interest rate based on your credit scores. Even minor errors may have a major impact on your credit score; this can translate into higher payments on every dollar that you borrow.
A Dramatic Impact
Don't throw your money away. If there are errors on your credit report you may be paying hundreds of extra dollars every month unnecessarily. Stop it! You have more control over the situation than you think. The legislation governing the credit reporting industry is there to protect you. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and its 2003 amendment, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) provide procedures for correcting errors on your report. A good credit repair company can harness those laws to make sure that you are not throwing your money away needlessly. Your credit scores should never be allowed to reflect the presence of errors. But it’s up to you to take action.
Get Your Credit Reports
The legislation enacted to protect you from potentially life altering errors on your credit report requires that the three major credit bureaus allow you access to your credit report once per year for free. The website mandated by the government for this purpose is AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only site set up for this purpose. Use it! Do you work for a living? Would you like to have more money left over each month? Would you like to build your savings? Don’t let your money slip away! Make the effort to insure that every error is removed from your report. A credit repair professional can help you identify all of the issues that can have a negative impact on your score.
Give Yourself the Benefit of the Doubt
So, maybe you have made mistakes in the past. Most people have. That is not an excuse to ignore your credit report. Too many people are embarrassed about past mistakes and afraid to look at their credit reports. Don’t hide! It will only compound the problem and increase the impact on your financial life. Take a deep breath and do whatever is necessary. Get your reports. Review every line of information. Look at the neutral information too. Misreported neutral information, such as account opening dates and high credit limits can easily depress your scores. I advise you to speak to a credit repair expert for help analyzing your credit reports. It’s your life. It’s your money. Nothing on your credit report should be neglected.
You Will Feel So Good
There is nothing like the feeling that comes from knowing that you are doing the right thing for yourself. You can have that feeling right now. Start the credit repair process and the results will come before you know it. As your credit scores improve you will have the opportunity to refinance the high rate loans that you currently have. The amount of money that you can save by reducing the interest rates on your mortgage, auto loans, and credit cards can be dramatic. If you can save $500 each month and deposit it into a savings account earning 5% annually you will accumulate $77,000 in only 10 years. Think about it.
You are on Your Way
Once your credit repair program is underway it becomes easier and easier to stay ahead. As your score improves, and you are able to lower the interest rates on your debt, your budget will ease up. You will soon develop a financial cushion that will make it possible to meet your monthly obligations even when unexpected expenses arise. It’s time to say hello to the new you!
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Credit Repair Common Sense
It's Your Life
Do you take your credit for granted? When is the last time you took a close look at your credit reports? Credit repair expert and president of Sky Blue Credit Repair, Jim Kemish discusses inaccuracy in the credit reporting system and the potential impact it may have on your life.
High Stakes in the Credit Repair Game
Your financial life depends on the content of your credit. Every time you apply for credit a lender will check your report with at least one of the three bureaus. The content of your report will determine your eligibility for a loan as well as the interest rate you will pay. The interest rate in turn will determine your monthly payment. Higher rates mean higher payments, and higher payments erode your ability to save and enjoy the security that comes from building wealth. The goal of any legitimate credit repair company should be to re-shape your credit to meet the highest lender standard and improve the quality of your financial life.
Some Amazing Numbers
Did you know that each of the three bureaus maintain credit files on over 200 million Americans? Each individual credit file contains the history and current status of credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, collections, public records, and more. Current accounts must be updated monthly and are dependant on the accurate participation of millions of creditors and other data furnishers. The shear amount of data is mind-boggling.
The Cost of Errors
Given the amount of data being managed by the credit bureaus it is not a surprise that there are errors. But what does it mean to you? According to the National Association of State PIRGs (a nonprofit, public interest advocacy organization) 79% of all credit reports contain mistakes, 54% of all credit reports contain personal information that is long outdated, belongs to a stranger, or is otherwise incorrect, 30% of all credit reports contain accounts that are closed by the consumer but continue to be reported as open, and 25% of all credit reports contain errors serious enough to result in the outright denial of credit. As a credit repair professional dealing with credit reports on a daily basis, I can attest to this widespread occurrence of errors. Is everything correct on your on your report? The odds are not in your favor.
Russian Roulette
Somewhere between the 79% of consumers with errors on their reports, and the 25% who will be denied credit due to those errors, exists a vast number who will be bumped into a lower credit class and pay a higher interest rate than they should. Many of these consumers will never be aware of the fact that lenders are quietly charging them one or two percent more on their loans. Let’s translate the statistics. 79% represents 158 million Americans with errors on their credit reports. 25% represents 50 million Americans that will be denied credit due to errors. The vast middle ground contains 108 million Americans who may be paying hundreds of extra dollars each month as a result of errors in the credit reporting system. What about you? If you are not paying attention to the content of your credit report you are playing financial Russian roulette. If you are in the majority, an intelligent credit repair effort can pay for itself a hundred times over.
A Case of Skewed Statistics
I have been in the credit repair business since 1989 and have come to the unfortunate conclusion that people with real credit issues, those whom have missed payments, fallen behind, or defaulted on a debt, are more than twice as likely to have serious errors on their reports than the statistical norm. In other words, the potential for errors becomes considerably worse for those that can afford it the least. Why does this happen? When an account slips into a derogatory status it is no longer in the mainstream; the creditor often moves the account to a different department; the creditor name may be reported slightly differently and account numbers may be modified. If the account is charged off and sent to a collector it is almost inevitable that it will eventually appear in duplicate or triplicate on your report. And over time collection accounts change hands, often shedding their statute of limitation start date and continue to report well beyond their proper expiration, sometimes appearing as if brand new.
The Credit Repair Road to Recovery
Have you had legitimate credit issues? Are you working on recovering from those issues? The good news is that a competent credit repair effort can effectively remove the errors from your report and give you the fair chance that you deserve. Do you know that you can get your three credit reports for free one time per year? Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, the only site where you can get your reports for free with no strings attached. Review your reports. Call a credit repair expert for a consultation. Take charge today. It’s your right, and there is nothing that can have more of an impact on your financial life.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Do you take your credit for granted? When is the last time you took a close look at your credit reports? Credit repair expert and president of Sky Blue Credit Repair, Jim Kemish discusses inaccuracy in the credit reporting system and the potential impact it may have on your life.
High Stakes in the Credit Repair Game
Your financial life depends on the content of your credit. Every time you apply for credit a lender will check your report with at least one of the three bureaus. The content of your report will determine your eligibility for a loan as well as the interest rate you will pay. The interest rate in turn will determine your monthly payment. Higher rates mean higher payments, and higher payments erode your ability to save and enjoy the security that comes from building wealth. The goal of any legitimate credit repair company should be to re-shape your credit to meet the highest lender standard and improve the quality of your financial life.
Some Amazing Numbers
Did you know that each of the three bureaus maintain credit files on over 200 million Americans? Each individual credit file contains the history and current status of credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, collections, public records, and more. Current accounts must be updated monthly and are dependant on the accurate participation of millions of creditors and other data furnishers. The shear amount of data is mind-boggling.
The Cost of Errors
Given the amount of data being managed by the credit bureaus it is not a surprise that there are errors. But what does it mean to you? According to the National Association of State PIRGs (a nonprofit, public interest advocacy organization) 79% of all credit reports contain mistakes, 54% of all credit reports contain personal information that is long outdated, belongs to a stranger, or is otherwise incorrect, 30% of all credit reports contain accounts that are closed by the consumer but continue to be reported as open, and 25% of all credit reports contain errors serious enough to result in the outright denial of credit. As a credit repair professional dealing with credit reports on a daily basis, I can attest to this widespread occurrence of errors. Is everything correct on your on your report? The odds are not in your favor.
Russian Roulette
Somewhere between the 79% of consumers with errors on their reports, and the 25% who will be denied credit due to those errors, exists a vast number who will be bumped into a lower credit class and pay a higher interest rate than they should. Many of these consumers will never be aware of the fact that lenders are quietly charging them one or two percent more on their loans. Let’s translate the statistics. 79% represents 158 million Americans with errors on their credit reports. 25% represents 50 million Americans that will be denied credit due to errors. The vast middle ground contains 108 million Americans who may be paying hundreds of extra dollars each month as a result of errors in the credit reporting system. What about you? If you are not paying attention to the content of your credit report you are playing financial Russian roulette. If you are in the majority, an intelligent credit repair effort can pay for itself a hundred times over.
A Case of Skewed Statistics
I have been in the credit repair business since 1989 and have come to the unfortunate conclusion that people with real credit issues, those whom have missed payments, fallen behind, or defaulted on a debt, are more than twice as likely to have serious errors on their reports than the statistical norm. In other words, the potential for errors becomes considerably worse for those that can afford it the least. Why does this happen? When an account slips into a derogatory status it is no longer in the mainstream; the creditor often moves the account to a different department; the creditor name may be reported slightly differently and account numbers may be modified. If the account is charged off and sent to a collector it is almost inevitable that it will eventually appear in duplicate or triplicate on your report. And over time collection accounts change hands, often shedding their statute of limitation start date and continue to report well beyond their proper expiration, sometimes appearing as if brand new.
The Credit Repair Road to Recovery
Have you had legitimate credit issues? Are you working on recovering from those issues? The good news is that a competent credit repair effort can effectively remove the errors from your report and give you the fair chance that you deserve. Do you know that you can get your three credit reports for free one time per year? Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, the only site where you can get your reports for free with no strings attached. Review your reports. Call a credit repair expert for a consultation. Take charge today. It’s your right, and there is nothing that can have more of an impact on your financial life.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Credit Repair: How to Stop a Collector
Your Legal Rights
Have you been contacted by a collector? You are not powerless! You have legal rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to stop collectors and gain control of the situation.
Your Thirty-Day Window
Have you received a collection notice? Don’t ignore it! The first receipt of a collection notice contains an opportunity that you should not miss. If you dispute the debt in the thirty days after receiving notice the collector must stop all collection activities while investigating your dispute, and may not make any attempt to collect until he has provided you with verification of the debt. In addition, the debt may not be reported on your credit report during this period of time. If you do not respond within thirty days you have effectively waived your right to demand investigation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This is an important right and may serve you well if you have any question about the accuracy of the debt. Are you in a credit repair program? The more comprehensive credit repair programs provide debt validation as part of their service at no extra charge. Simply forward the collection notice to your credit repair company immediately so that they can respond within the time allowed.
FDCPA § 809. Validation of debts [15 USC 1692g (b) “If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.”
The Cease Communication Letter
In some cases collectors can be abusive and cause significant stress. Consumers often give in to the pressure for partial payment at the expense of their food and housing budget causing needless hardship for themselves and their family. If you are faced with a high-pressure collector it may be best to put an end to their communication. The FDCPA requires collectors to stop collection efforts upon receiving a written request to stop. If you are in a credit repair program they should be happy to prepare the cease communication letter on your behalf as well as providing competent counsel.
FDCPA § 805. Communication in connection with debt collection [15 USC 1692c] (c) “Ceasing Communication. If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt, except -- (1) to advise the consumer that the debt collector's further efforts are being terminated; (2) to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such debt collector or creditor; or (3) where applicable, to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy.”
In some cases, if the dollar amount is enough, and the collector believes that you have the ability to pay they may serve you with court papers. This may or may not happen. The process of filing suit is expensive and may not justify the results. Whatever a collector sounds like on the phone you can bet that the decision to pursue or not pursue your case will be rational. If you cannot afford to pay you may decide to let it take its course. As always, it is best to contact a competent credit repair professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks of any action.
Get an Attorney
The FDCPA requires collectors to stop collection efforts upon receiving notice that an attorney is representing you. Once a collector receives this notice they must direct all further communications to the attorney. This approach has several benefits. The right attorney may be able to raise useful defenses. In the credit repair business we often suggest this course of action where the dollar amount of the collection is significant or where the collector is especially aggressive.
FDCPA § 805. Communication in connection with debt collection [15 USC 1692c] (a) “Without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, a debt collector may not communicate with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt -- (2) if the debt collector knows the consumer is represented by an attorney with respect to such debt and has knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, such attorney's name and address, unless the attorney fails to respond within a reasonable period of time to a communication from the debt collector or unless the attorney consents to direct communication with the consumer…”
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Have you been contacted by a collector? You are not powerless! You have legal rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to stop collectors and gain control of the situation.
Your Thirty-Day Window
Have you received a collection notice? Don’t ignore it! The first receipt of a collection notice contains an opportunity that you should not miss. If you dispute the debt in the thirty days after receiving notice the collector must stop all collection activities while investigating your dispute, and may not make any attempt to collect until he has provided you with verification of the debt. In addition, the debt may not be reported on your credit report during this period of time. If you do not respond within thirty days you have effectively waived your right to demand investigation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This is an important right and may serve you well if you have any question about the accuracy of the debt. Are you in a credit repair program? The more comprehensive credit repair programs provide debt validation as part of their service at no extra charge. Simply forward the collection notice to your credit repair company immediately so that they can respond within the time allowed.
FDCPA § 809. Validation of debts [15 USC 1692g (b) “If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.”
The Cease Communication Letter
In some cases collectors can be abusive and cause significant stress. Consumers often give in to the pressure for partial payment at the expense of their food and housing budget causing needless hardship for themselves and their family. If you are faced with a high-pressure collector it may be best to put an end to their communication. The FDCPA requires collectors to stop collection efforts upon receiving a written request to stop. If you are in a credit repair program they should be happy to prepare the cease communication letter on your behalf as well as providing competent counsel.
FDCPA § 805. Communication in connection with debt collection [15 USC 1692c] (c) “Ceasing Communication. If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt, except -- (1) to advise the consumer that the debt collector's further efforts are being terminated; (2) to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such debt collector or creditor; or (3) where applicable, to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy.”
In some cases, if the dollar amount is enough, and the collector believes that you have the ability to pay they may serve you with court papers. This may or may not happen. The process of filing suit is expensive and may not justify the results. Whatever a collector sounds like on the phone you can bet that the decision to pursue or not pursue your case will be rational. If you cannot afford to pay you may decide to let it take its course. As always, it is best to contact a competent credit repair professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks of any action.
Get an Attorney
The FDCPA requires collectors to stop collection efforts upon receiving notice that an attorney is representing you. Once a collector receives this notice they must direct all further communications to the attorney. This approach has several benefits. The right attorney may be able to raise useful defenses. In the credit repair business we often suggest this course of action where the dollar amount of the collection is significant or where the collector is especially aggressive.
FDCPA § 805. Communication in connection with debt collection [15 USC 1692c] (a) “Without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, a debt collector may not communicate with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt -- (2) if the debt collector knows the consumer is represented by an attorney with respect to such debt and has knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, such attorney's name and address, unless the attorney fails to respond within a reasonable period of time to a communication from the debt collector or unless the attorney consents to direct communication with the consumer…”
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Credit Repair: Resolving a Student Loan Default
The Time to Act is Now
Do you have defaulted student loans? Credit repair authority Jim Kemish discusses the many ways the government can collect, and the rights that you have to cure the problem starting right now!
There is Still Hope!
There is no statute of limitation for collection of student loans. Forget about hiding out until the collectors give up and fade away. They will hunt you down forever. And to make it worse student loan collectors have special powers that can make your life a misery. Fortunately federal law provides a variety of options that will aid your credit repair effort, help you stop collectors, and even come out ahead!
It’s Up To You
If you take action you can stop collectors, reduce your payments, and have the default status removed from your credit. But you have to initiate these efforts. If you don’t take action no one will help you and the situation will get worse. Are you are involved in a credit repair program? You have everything to gain by acting today. Let’s take a look at the powers the government has, and then explore the tools that you can use to put an end to the hassles once and for all.
Say Goodbye to Your Tax Refunds
If you are in default and have a tax refund coming you should expect it to be taken by the government. This is a virtual guarantee. If you want to avoid this action while you determine your options, you should act today to eliminate your next tax refund so that there is nothing to seize. This is easily done. Just decrease the amount of income withheld by your employer, or reduce your estimated tax payments if you are self-employed.
The Paycheck Surprise
Student loan collectors now have the right to garnish your wages without a court order. At the moment they are allowed to seize the lesser of 15% of your disposable income, or the amount of your disposable income in excess of $154 per week.
Social Security is Now Fair Game
In 1996 a law was passed allowing student loan collectors to seize the Social Security income of student loan defaulters. But there are limits to the amount that can be seized. The first $9000 per year, or $750 per month, is safe. And under all circumstances there is a limit of 15% of your total benefits that can be taken.
Cancellation of Student Loan Debt
It is theoretically possible to cancel your student loan debt if you had serious trouble with your school (such as it closing down while you were enrolled), if you became totally and permanently disabled after you took out the loan, or by convincing a judge to dismiss the debt in bankruptcy. If you pursue one of these options you should expect to be faced with extreme documentation requirements and slim odds of success. I’m sorry to say that after almost twenty years of counseling people on credit repair I have never seen anyone succeed in canceling their student loan debt. Fortunately there two easy methods of resolving your student loan problems that will help you stop collection efforts and establish a reasonable, affordable payment plan.
Student Loan Consolidation
There are two types of consolidation plans available based on the type of student loan you have. Most student loans are either FFEL loans (Federal Family Education Loans) or Direct Loans. FFEL loans are given by banks or institutions and guaranteed by the government, Direct Loans are obtained through your school, but come directly from the government. Stafford Loans, Guaranteed Student Loans, and Plus Loans may be either FFEL or Direct Loans. The FFEL plan requires that you pay at least the interest due each month. The Direct plan has no set minimum. You can qualify for the Direct plan if you have at least one Direct Loan, even if all of the others are FFEL loans. Are you in a credit repair program and considering your options, but are concerned about your budget? Both plans offer the possibility of up to three years forbearance (no payments) after consolidation.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation, unlike consolidation, will not allow you to combine your existing loans into a single new loan, but it does have the benefit of eliminating the default status from your credit report, which makes it attractive for those in credit repair programs. Like consolidation you have the right to request a payment plan that is affordable to you. Rehabilitation requires a trial period where you will be expected to make nine of your next ten payments on time. Once you have completed the trial period your loan will be sold to a new lender and the default status removed from your credit report.
Getting Started
Before approaching your lender or collector to discuss your choices I strongly recommend that you contact one of the resources established to provide guidance on these issues. Please contact the Student Loan Ombudsman Office at (877) 557-2575, or the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 4FED-AID to discuss your rights.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Do you have defaulted student loans? Credit repair authority Jim Kemish discusses the many ways the government can collect, and the rights that you have to cure the problem starting right now!
There is Still Hope!
There is no statute of limitation for collection of student loans. Forget about hiding out until the collectors give up and fade away. They will hunt you down forever. And to make it worse student loan collectors have special powers that can make your life a misery. Fortunately federal law provides a variety of options that will aid your credit repair effort, help you stop collectors, and even come out ahead!
It’s Up To You
If you take action you can stop collectors, reduce your payments, and have the default status removed from your credit. But you have to initiate these efforts. If you don’t take action no one will help you and the situation will get worse. Are you are involved in a credit repair program? You have everything to gain by acting today. Let’s take a look at the powers the government has, and then explore the tools that you can use to put an end to the hassles once and for all.
Say Goodbye to Your Tax Refunds
If you are in default and have a tax refund coming you should expect it to be taken by the government. This is a virtual guarantee. If you want to avoid this action while you determine your options, you should act today to eliminate your next tax refund so that there is nothing to seize. This is easily done. Just decrease the amount of income withheld by your employer, or reduce your estimated tax payments if you are self-employed.
The Paycheck Surprise
Student loan collectors now have the right to garnish your wages without a court order. At the moment they are allowed to seize the lesser of 15% of your disposable income, or the amount of your disposable income in excess of $154 per week.
Social Security is Now Fair Game
In 1996 a law was passed allowing student loan collectors to seize the Social Security income of student loan defaulters. But there are limits to the amount that can be seized. The first $9000 per year, or $750 per month, is safe. And under all circumstances there is a limit of 15% of your total benefits that can be taken.
Cancellation of Student Loan Debt
It is theoretically possible to cancel your student loan debt if you had serious trouble with your school (such as it closing down while you were enrolled), if you became totally and permanently disabled after you took out the loan, or by convincing a judge to dismiss the debt in bankruptcy. If you pursue one of these options you should expect to be faced with extreme documentation requirements and slim odds of success. I’m sorry to say that after almost twenty years of counseling people on credit repair I have never seen anyone succeed in canceling their student loan debt. Fortunately there two easy methods of resolving your student loan problems that will help you stop collection efforts and establish a reasonable, affordable payment plan.
Student Loan Consolidation
There are two types of consolidation plans available based on the type of student loan you have. Most student loans are either FFEL loans (Federal Family Education Loans) or Direct Loans. FFEL loans are given by banks or institutions and guaranteed by the government, Direct Loans are obtained through your school, but come directly from the government. Stafford Loans, Guaranteed Student Loans, and Plus Loans may be either FFEL or Direct Loans. The FFEL plan requires that you pay at least the interest due each month. The Direct plan has no set minimum. You can qualify for the Direct plan if you have at least one Direct Loan, even if all of the others are FFEL loans. Are you in a credit repair program and considering your options, but are concerned about your budget? Both plans offer the possibility of up to three years forbearance (no payments) after consolidation.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation, unlike consolidation, will not allow you to combine your existing loans into a single new loan, but it does have the benefit of eliminating the default status from your credit report, which makes it attractive for those in credit repair programs. Like consolidation you have the right to request a payment plan that is affordable to you. Rehabilitation requires a trial period where you will be expected to make nine of your next ten payments on time. Once you have completed the trial period your loan will be sold to a new lender and the default status removed from your credit report.
Getting Started
Before approaching your lender or collector to discuss your choices I strongly recommend that you contact one of the resources established to provide guidance on these issues. Please contact the Student Loan Ombudsman Office at (877) 557-2575, or the Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 4FED-AID to discuss your rights.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Credit Repair and The Greatest Wealth Building Secret
Wealth is Power
Wealth means security, opportunity, and quality of life. Are you ready to take the first step towards financial freedom? Here are some powerful tips that can get you started today!
Learning to Save
A budget is a balancing act between your income and your expenses. If your income exceeds your expenses you will enjoy the comfort of living within your means. If your budget is too tight a single unexpected expense can be the start of credit problems. The first step in building wealth is to structure your budget to allow for savings. Savings will provide a cushion to insure that your credit is unaffected by unforeseen expenses. As time goes by and your savings grow you will discover that you are moving surely towards a life of confidence and financial freedom. And if you are in a credit repair program a savings plan will insure your ability to maintain the great credit that you are working hard to achieve.
Shifting Priorities
There is nothing more uncomfortable than the discovery that you cannot pay your bills. Many financially successful individuals have gone through tough times and successfully channeled their discomfort into a great determination to change the direction of their lives. They forced themselves to examine their budget, live within their means, and to make savings and investment a priority. Over time the shift in priorities resulted in personal wealth, financial freedom, and a quality of life that far outweighed the sacrifices they made.
Getting Started
The first step towards building wealth is to take a close look at your finances. Look at your checkbook and credit card statements. What are you spending money on? Add up your monthly expenses and compare the total with your monthly income. Is there enough left for savings? Examine your expenses. What can you do without? Every dollar that can be cut from your expenses is a dollar that can be saved. Have you ever felt the discomfort of not being able to pay your bills? Most people in credit repair programs are familiar with this discomfort. Consider that feeling and then think about how great it would feel to have money left over each month. What is that worth to you? I think you will find that peace of mind and the knowledge that you are doing the right thing for yourself is worth the effort of budgetary restraint.
The Power of Credit
Credit can work for and against you. There are some purchases that would be impossible without credit. Most people cannot afford to purchase an automobile for cash. But the same credit that makes the purchase possible can be a problem as well. How much of a car do you need? When you see that you can upgrade for an extra $100 each month do you understand the impact of that decision on your life? The decision to upgrade may be fine! But it should be made with a real understanding of the cost. If you put $100 into a money market account each month at an interest rate of 5% you would have saved $6,800 at the end of 5 years. $200 per month translates into $13,600. It adds up. There are many decisions that work the same way. The use of credit on purchases like a car or a television may seem minor, but together they can have a major impact on your life. In the credit repair business we speak with very intelligent people every day that have run into credit problems simply by not considering the long term effect of seemingly small decisions. Ask yourself what you can afford. Ask yourself what the real cost is.
Savings and Your Credit
One of the benefits of starting a budget and savings plan is great credit. If you allow for enough of a margin in your budget to save a percent of your income each month you will find it easy to pay your bills. And in the case of unexpected expenses, that margin will allow you to accommodate those expenses without causing you to be late. Are you involved in credit repair? This will make a world of difference in your life. And it’s just the beginning! As your credit improves and your credit scores rise you will find that lenders charge you lower interest rates. This can affect every credit based expense that you have, from your credit cards to your automobile loan and your mortgage. And as your interest rates fall, so do your monthly payments. You get more for your money and have more left to save and invest. Are you ready? Take the first step today. You’ll be glad you did!
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Wealth means security, opportunity, and quality of life. Are you ready to take the first step towards financial freedom? Here are some powerful tips that can get you started today!
Learning to Save
A budget is a balancing act between your income and your expenses. If your income exceeds your expenses you will enjoy the comfort of living within your means. If your budget is too tight a single unexpected expense can be the start of credit problems. The first step in building wealth is to structure your budget to allow for savings. Savings will provide a cushion to insure that your credit is unaffected by unforeseen expenses. As time goes by and your savings grow you will discover that you are moving surely towards a life of confidence and financial freedom. And if you are in a credit repair program a savings plan will insure your ability to maintain the great credit that you are working hard to achieve.
Shifting Priorities
There is nothing more uncomfortable than the discovery that you cannot pay your bills. Many financially successful individuals have gone through tough times and successfully channeled their discomfort into a great determination to change the direction of their lives. They forced themselves to examine their budget, live within their means, and to make savings and investment a priority. Over time the shift in priorities resulted in personal wealth, financial freedom, and a quality of life that far outweighed the sacrifices they made.
Getting Started
The first step towards building wealth is to take a close look at your finances. Look at your checkbook and credit card statements. What are you spending money on? Add up your monthly expenses and compare the total with your monthly income. Is there enough left for savings? Examine your expenses. What can you do without? Every dollar that can be cut from your expenses is a dollar that can be saved. Have you ever felt the discomfort of not being able to pay your bills? Most people in credit repair programs are familiar with this discomfort. Consider that feeling and then think about how great it would feel to have money left over each month. What is that worth to you? I think you will find that peace of mind and the knowledge that you are doing the right thing for yourself is worth the effort of budgetary restraint.
The Power of Credit
Credit can work for and against you. There are some purchases that would be impossible without credit. Most people cannot afford to purchase an automobile for cash. But the same credit that makes the purchase possible can be a problem as well. How much of a car do you need? When you see that you can upgrade for an extra $100 each month do you understand the impact of that decision on your life? The decision to upgrade may be fine! But it should be made with a real understanding of the cost. If you put $100 into a money market account each month at an interest rate of 5% you would have saved $6,800 at the end of 5 years. $200 per month translates into $13,600. It adds up. There are many decisions that work the same way. The use of credit on purchases like a car or a television may seem minor, but together they can have a major impact on your life. In the credit repair business we speak with very intelligent people every day that have run into credit problems simply by not considering the long term effect of seemingly small decisions. Ask yourself what you can afford. Ask yourself what the real cost is.
Savings and Your Credit
One of the benefits of starting a budget and savings plan is great credit. If you allow for enough of a margin in your budget to save a percent of your income each month you will find it easy to pay your bills. And in the case of unexpected expenses, that margin will allow you to accommodate those expenses without causing you to be late. Are you involved in credit repair? This will make a world of difference in your life. And it’s just the beginning! As your credit improves and your credit scores rise you will find that lenders charge you lower interest rates. This can affect every credit based expense that you have, from your credit cards to your automobile loan and your mortgage. And as your interest rates fall, so do your monthly payments. You get more for your money and have more left to save and invest. Are you ready? Take the first step today. You’ll be glad you did!
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Credit Repair: Improve Your Credit Scores NOW!
Understanding the World of Credit Scores
Most people are not aware that most credit scores sold online are not the same credit scores that lenders use in making lending decisions. The score used by lenders is called the FICO score and it is the only score that counts. Unfortunately, the companies that sell non-FICO scores do not make it clear that these scores may vary widely from real FICO scores. Worse yet, the three credit bureaus that provide FICO scores to lenders are among the worse offenders in selling non-FICO scores to consumers!
One Score Three Names
The FICO score has been re-branded by each of the three bureaus for their own marketing, hence you will hear of three scores, although they are all driven by the same software. Equifax calls it a BEACON score, TransUnion calls it an EMPIRICA score, and Experian calls it the EXPERIAN/Fair Isaac Risk Model. The scores may be different because each bureau gathers information from a slightly different mix of creditors. If you look at your three reports you will notice that some accounts are missing on each bureau. Timing also plays a roll. A recent change in your credit may be picked up sooner at one bureau than another. You can purchase your real FICO score at MyFico.com.
Improve Your Credit Score Fast
So what makes your FICO score tick? And what can you do about it? Here are a few strategies that everyone involved in the credit repair process should know.
Check Your High Credit Limits
The relationship between your current balance and the available credit limit on your revolving accounts has a major impact on your credit score. Every revolving account on your report should be examined. If the high credit limit is understated send a dispute letter to each of the three credit bureaus asking them to update the information. If you have extra cash, pay down those balances and watch your score go up!
Increase Your High Credit Limits
There is one additional course of action that you should consider that can also reduce the ratio of your current balance to your high credit limit. Call each and every credit card company and ask them to increase your limit. They may or may not agree, but you might be surprised. Please keep in mind that you are doing this to improve your credit. Having a higher credit limit does not mean that you should use it.
Check the Age of Your Accounts
New accounts count against your credit score. Conversely, the credit bureaus will reward you for the accounts that you have maintained over time. When reviewing your three credit reports be sure to look carefully at the initial reporting date for each revolving and installment account. If the age of the account is incorrect on your credit reports send dispute letters to the bureaus. This is a great credit repair trick and well worth the effort.
Resurrect an Old Account
It is not unusual to discover an account on your credit report that you forgot about years ago. If you don’t have much credit please don’t cancel the account. If you no longer have the card in your possession I suggest that you call the company and obtain a replacement card. When you get it you should make a small purchase. The exact algorithm used in the FICO score is a secret, but based on our observations it is best to have some occasional activity on a credit card.
Double Trouble! Eliminate Duplicates
Look at your credit reports carefully. If you see the same account more than once it is probably hurting your score unless it is over three years old with a perfect history and a low balance. If it does not meet these criteria get rid of it now! Collection agencies are notorious for causing duplicate reporting errors. Only one collection agency can own a debt at a time. Essential credit repair tip! If a collection agency no longer owns the debt they are not allowed to report it. That’s the law!
Post Bankruptcy Cleanup
If you have had a bankruptcy you should take action to clean up your credit with all three bureaus immediately upon receiving your discharge. If you don’t feel up to the task of dealing with the paperwork I suggest that you hire a reputable credit repair company. A reputable credit repair company will be inexpensive and be able to do this for you very quickly. If you don’t take action to clean up your credit report it will not happen by itself. A comprehensive post bankruptcy clean up can have a dramatic impact on your credit scores within as little a sixty days after your discharge.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Most people are not aware that most credit scores sold online are not the same credit scores that lenders use in making lending decisions. The score used by lenders is called the FICO score and it is the only score that counts. Unfortunately, the companies that sell non-FICO scores do not make it clear that these scores may vary widely from real FICO scores. Worse yet, the three credit bureaus that provide FICO scores to lenders are among the worse offenders in selling non-FICO scores to consumers!
One Score Three Names
The FICO score has been re-branded by each of the three bureaus for their own marketing, hence you will hear of three scores, although they are all driven by the same software. Equifax calls it a BEACON score, TransUnion calls it an EMPIRICA score, and Experian calls it the EXPERIAN/Fair Isaac Risk Model. The scores may be different because each bureau gathers information from a slightly different mix of creditors. If you look at your three reports you will notice that some accounts are missing on each bureau. Timing also plays a roll. A recent change in your credit may be picked up sooner at one bureau than another. You can purchase your real FICO score at MyFico.com.
Improve Your Credit Score Fast
So what makes your FICO score tick? And what can you do about it? Here are a few strategies that everyone involved in the credit repair process should know.
Check Your High Credit Limits
The relationship between your current balance and the available credit limit on your revolving accounts has a major impact on your credit score. Every revolving account on your report should be examined. If the high credit limit is understated send a dispute letter to each of the three credit bureaus asking them to update the information. If you have extra cash, pay down those balances and watch your score go up!
Increase Your High Credit Limits
There is one additional course of action that you should consider that can also reduce the ratio of your current balance to your high credit limit. Call each and every credit card company and ask them to increase your limit. They may or may not agree, but you might be surprised. Please keep in mind that you are doing this to improve your credit. Having a higher credit limit does not mean that you should use it.
Check the Age of Your Accounts
New accounts count against your credit score. Conversely, the credit bureaus will reward you for the accounts that you have maintained over time. When reviewing your three credit reports be sure to look carefully at the initial reporting date for each revolving and installment account. If the age of the account is incorrect on your credit reports send dispute letters to the bureaus. This is a great credit repair trick and well worth the effort.
Resurrect an Old Account
It is not unusual to discover an account on your credit report that you forgot about years ago. If you don’t have much credit please don’t cancel the account. If you no longer have the card in your possession I suggest that you call the company and obtain a replacement card. When you get it you should make a small purchase. The exact algorithm used in the FICO score is a secret, but based on our observations it is best to have some occasional activity on a credit card.
Double Trouble! Eliminate Duplicates
Look at your credit reports carefully. If you see the same account more than once it is probably hurting your score unless it is over three years old with a perfect history and a low balance. If it does not meet these criteria get rid of it now! Collection agencies are notorious for causing duplicate reporting errors. Only one collection agency can own a debt at a time. Essential credit repair tip! If a collection agency no longer owns the debt they are not allowed to report it. That’s the law!
Post Bankruptcy Cleanup
If you have had a bankruptcy you should take action to clean up your credit with all three bureaus immediately upon receiving your discharge. If you don’t feel up to the task of dealing with the paperwork I suggest that you hire a reputable credit repair company. A reputable credit repair company will be inexpensive and be able to do this for you very quickly. If you don’t take action to clean up your credit report it will not happen by itself. A comprehensive post bankruptcy clean up can have a dramatic impact on your credit scores within as little a sixty days after your discharge.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Credit Repair: How Credit Scores Really Work
Your credit score is a measure of the risk that lenders take when lending you money. Your credit score will determine your financing options and the interest rate that you pay on every dollar you borrow. Credit repair expert Jim Kemish offers a clear explanation of credit scores and how they work.
Not all Scores are Equal
There are many credit scores available, but the only one that matters is your FICO score. FICO, by the way, is an acronym for Fair Isaac and Company, the developer of the score. This is the score that virtually all lenders use. Other scores attempt to approximate the FICO score, but frequently vary by a significant margin.
One Score with Three Names
The FICO score may be referred to by three different names. This is because the three bureaus have branded it for their own marketing. Equifax calls it a BEACON score, TransUnion calls it an EMPIRICA score, and Experian calls it the EXPERIAN/Fair Isaac Risk Model. Because of this you will hear of three different scores, although they are all a product of the same formula.
Why Are Your Three Scores Different?
Your three scores are different because each bureau gathers information from a slightly different mix of creditors. If you were to look carefully at your three reports you will notice that some accounts are missing on each bureau. Timing also plays a roll. A recent change in your credit may be picked up sooner at one bureau than another.
What is Included in Your Score?
Are you working on credit repair? Be proactive. But in order to influence your score it is essential to understand how it works. Here is an overview of the contributing factors.
Pay History
Your pay history is the big ingredient. This category includes installment and revolving accounts, as well as public records and collections. The age of a derogatory item diminishes its impact on your score. The first step in the credit repair process is to examine your report for obvious errors in this category which makes up 35% of your score.
Balances
Your account balances make up the next category. The relationship between the balance and the credit limit on your revolving accounts is a major factor. Anyone involved in a credit repair effort should minimize their revolving balances as much as possible. The relationship between the current balance and the original balance on installment loans is also taken into consideration. This category makes up 30% of your score.
The Age of Accounts
New credit will have a negative impact on your score, and those accounts that you have kept alive and healthy for years have a good impact. Closing old accounts is a common credit repair error to be avoided. This category makes up 15% of your score.
New Credit & Inquiries
New credit and recent inquiries are a factor. Many credit repair candidates open new secured credit cards for the long term benefit. But generally, anyone involved in credit repair should limit new credit activity. Either way you will lose a few points on this one. Fair Isaac weighs this at 10% of your score.
Type of Credit
The type of your credit is the final 10% of the calculation. Fair Isaac won’t define the perfect mix of mortgage, installment, revolving, and consumer debt, but in our experience the key to a long term successful credit repair effort is to be a moderate user of credit, make your payments on time, and try to keep those revolving balances down.
False Credit
As you begin your credit repair effort it is important to have reliable information. Amazingly, the same three credit bureaus that sell authentic FICO scores to lenders also sell unreliable estimated scores to consumers. Every day untold numbers of consumers go to TransUnion's "True Credit" website and pay for what they believe to be their credit scores. What they get are deceptively named "TrueCredit" scores which vary significantly from the FICO scores used by lenders. Here is the (almost impossible to find) small print from the TransUnion website. "TrueCredit is not connected in any way with Fair, Isaac and Company; the credit score provided here is not a so-called FICO score. The credit scores of TransUnion may not be identical in every respect to any consumer credit scores produced by any other company."
Real Credit Scores
Are you starting the process of credit repair? Do you want to see your real FICO scores? MyFico.com is the only place that consumers can purchase their authentic FICO scores. Want to save some money? It is handy to know that mortgage brokers typically look at all three FICO scores when pre-qualifying you for a mortgage. If you ask, they just might give you a copy of your report along with all three scores. It can’t hurt to save a few dollars!
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Not all Scores are Equal
There are many credit scores available, but the only one that matters is your FICO score. FICO, by the way, is an acronym for Fair Isaac and Company, the developer of the score. This is the score that virtually all lenders use. Other scores attempt to approximate the FICO score, but frequently vary by a significant margin.
One Score with Three Names
The FICO score may be referred to by three different names. This is because the three bureaus have branded it for their own marketing. Equifax calls it a BEACON score, TransUnion calls it an EMPIRICA score, and Experian calls it the EXPERIAN/Fair Isaac Risk Model. Because of this you will hear of three different scores, although they are all a product of the same formula.
Why Are Your Three Scores Different?
Your three scores are different because each bureau gathers information from a slightly different mix of creditors. If you were to look carefully at your three reports you will notice that some accounts are missing on each bureau. Timing also plays a roll. A recent change in your credit may be picked up sooner at one bureau than another.
What is Included in Your Score?
Are you working on credit repair? Be proactive. But in order to influence your score it is essential to understand how it works. Here is an overview of the contributing factors.
Pay History
Your pay history is the big ingredient. This category includes installment and revolving accounts, as well as public records and collections. The age of a derogatory item diminishes its impact on your score. The first step in the credit repair process is to examine your report for obvious errors in this category which makes up 35% of your score.
Balances
Your account balances make up the next category. The relationship between the balance and the credit limit on your revolving accounts is a major factor. Anyone involved in a credit repair effort should minimize their revolving balances as much as possible. The relationship between the current balance and the original balance on installment loans is also taken into consideration. This category makes up 30% of your score.
The Age of Accounts
New credit will have a negative impact on your score, and those accounts that you have kept alive and healthy for years have a good impact. Closing old accounts is a common credit repair error to be avoided. This category makes up 15% of your score.
New Credit & Inquiries
New credit and recent inquiries are a factor. Many credit repair candidates open new secured credit cards for the long term benefit. But generally, anyone involved in credit repair should limit new credit activity. Either way you will lose a few points on this one. Fair Isaac weighs this at 10% of your score.
Type of Credit
The type of your credit is the final 10% of the calculation. Fair Isaac won’t define the perfect mix of mortgage, installment, revolving, and consumer debt, but in our experience the key to a long term successful credit repair effort is to be a moderate user of credit, make your payments on time, and try to keep those revolving balances down.
False Credit
As you begin your credit repair effort it is important to have reliable information. Amazingly, the same three credit bureaus that sell authentic FICO scores to lenders also sell unreliable estimated scores to consumers. Every day untold numbers of consumers go to TransUnion's "True Credit" website and pay for what they believe to be their credit scores. What they get are deceptively named "TrueCredit" scores which vary significantly from the FICO scores used by lenders. Here is the (almost impossible to find) small print from the TransUnion website. "TrueCredit is not connected in any way with Fair, Isaac and Company; the credit score provided here is not a so-called FICO score. The credit scores of TransUnion may not be identical in every respect to any consumer credit scores produced by any other company."
Real Credit Scores
Are you starting the process of credit repair? Do you want to see your real FICO scores? MyFico.com is the only place that consumers can purchase their authentic FICO scores. Want to save some money? It is handy to know that mortgage brokers typically look at all three FICO scores when pre-qualifying you for a mortgage. If you ask, they just might give you a copy of your report along with all three scores. It can’t hurt to save a few dollars!
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Credit Repair: Avoiding Scams!
Credit repair can be the greatest business in the world. But, as in every industry, there are those that do it right, and those that don’t. It helps to know what to avoid. We would like to offer a few suggestions, some of which may surprise you!
The Credit Repair Professional
The credit repair business requires a clear grasp of the interaction of many factors. Credit bureaus, creditors, and collectors are each regulated under their own set of federal laws. There are state laws that may supercede the federal laws. In the background of all of this activity is Fair Isaac and Company that formulates your FICO Score based on the makeup of the information on your report. Credit repair professionals must have a working knowledge of all of these factors and more.
And the Not-So-Professional
True credit repair professionals provide an incredibly valuable service. But there are also those that misrepresent themselves and the services they offer. These deceptive practices will waste your money, and in some cases leave you worse off than ever. Here is our list of the top offences…
Authorized User Alert
Some so-called credit repair companies have been brokering "authorized user" status on credit card accounts. This involves making the customer an authorized user on someone else's credit card to boost the customers FICO score. This is not illegal, but you should be aware that Fair Isaac and Company, in response to this practice, has eliminated authorized user benefits from the new FICO scoring model. According to Fair Isaac, one of the three credit bureaus will begin using the new scoring model in September 2007. The other two credit bureaus will adopt the new model by mid-2008.
The New Identity Trap
There is a busy little credit repair sub-culture that offers to help you establish a new identity by applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) which they suggest that you use in place of your Social Security Number. This amazes us! And it is a serious crime that could put you in prison. Steer clear.
Promises Promises
Watch out for companies that guarantee results such as a specific increase in your credit scores in a specific period of time. Professional, reputable credit repair companies can produce dramatic results! But given the fact that there is no way to predict the responsiveness of the credit bureaus, creditors, or collectors it is inappropriate to make such promises, and a sure sign of bad business.
The One-Dimensional Credit Repair Problem
Beware of credit repair companies that offer credit bureau disputes, and nothing more. They are most likely using software that simply pumps out dispute letters - repeatedly. This one dimensional approach to credit repair is certain to produce disappointment. Effective credit repair requires the skill to challenge the bureaus, creditors, and collectors alike; all with the knowledge and understanding of the legislation that governs them, and a grasp of how each change in your report can affect your FICO scores.
Power Corrupts
I’m going to stray a bit from the category of credit repair scams and touch on two of the more egregious offenders in the credit reporting industry. Many people mistake size for honesty. Power can corrupt, and the journey to the dark side is often led by corporate attorneys who constantly test the limits of consumer’s tolerance. Credit repair can be tricky enough, but getting hoodwinked by the credit bureaus can be downright discouraging. Here are offenders that we encounter on a daily basis.
False Credit
Every day untold numbers of consumers go to TransUnion's "True Credit" website and pay for what they believe to be their credit scores. What they get are deceptively named "TrueCredit" scores which vary significantly from the FICO scores used by lenders. Here is the (almost impossible to find) small print from the TransUnion website. "TrueCredit is not connected in any way with Fair, Isaac and Company; the credit score provided here is not a so-called FICO score. The credit scores of TransUnion may not be identical in every respect to any consumer credit scores produced by any other company."
Not Free Credit Report
Are you starting your credit repair effort? You can get all three of your credit reports for free, one time per year, from AnnualCreditReport.com. Don’t be fooled by Experian's freecreditreport.com website! Here is the fine print: "When you order your free report here, you will begin your free trial membership in Triple AdvantageSM Credit Monitoring. If you don't cancel your membership within the 30-day trial period, you will be billed $12.95 for each month that you continue your membership." And it may not be so easy to cancel. The Office of the Attorney General of Florida lists the following issues in their investigation of Experian: "Deceptive advertising, misleading domain name, and failure to honor cancellations in violation of Chapter 501, Part II, Florida Statutes (Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act)."
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
The Credit Repair Professional
The credit repair business requires a clear grasp of the interaction of many factors. Credit bureaus, creditors, and collectors are each regulated under their own set of federal laws. There are state laws that may supercede the federal laws. In the background of all of this activity is Fair Isaac and Company that formulates your FICO Score based on the makeup of the information on your report. Credit repair professionals must have a working knowledge of all of these factors and more.
And the Not-So-Professional
True credit repair professionals provide an incredibly valuable service. But there are also those that misrepresent themselves and the services they offer. These deceptive practices will waste your money, and in some cases leave you worse off than ever. Here is our list of the top offences…
Authorized User Alert
Some so-called credit repair companies have been brokering "authorized user" status on credit card accounts. This involves making the customer an authorized user on someone else's credit card to boost the customers FICO score. This is not illegal, but you should be aware that Fair Isaac and Company, in response to this practice, has eliminated authorized user benefits from the new FICO scoring model. According to Fair Isaac, one of the three credit bureaus will begin using the new scoring model in September 2007. The other two credit bureaus will adopt the new model by mid-2008.
The New Identity Trap
There is a busy little credit repair sub-culture that offers to help you establish a new identity by applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) which they suggest that you use in place of your Social Security Number. This amazes us! And it is a serious crime that could put you in prison. Steer clear.
Promises Promises
Watch out for companies that guarantee results such as a specific increase in your credit scores in a specific period of time. Professional, reputable credit repair companies can produce dramatic results! But given the fact that there is no way to predict the responsiveness of the credit bureaus, creditors, or collectors it is inappropriate to make such promises, and a sure sign of bad business.
The One-Dimensional Credit Repair Problem
Beware of credit repair companies that offer credit bureau disputes, and nothing more. They are most likely using software that simply pumps out dispute letters - repeatedly. This one dimensional approach to credit repair is certain to produce disappointment. Effective credit repair requires the skill to challenge the bureaus, creditors, and collectors alike; all with the knowledge and understanding of the legislation that governs them, and a grasp of how each change in your report can affect your FICO scores.
Power Corrupts
I’m going to stray a bit from the category of credit repair scams and touch on two of the more egregious offenders in the credit reporting industry. Many people mistake size for honesty. Power can corrupt, and the journey to the dark side is often led by corporate attorneys who constantly test the limits of consumer’s tolerance. Credit repair can be tricky enough, but getting hoodwinked by the credit bureaus can be downright discouraging. Here are offenders that we encounter on a daily basis.
False Credit
Every day untold numbers of consumers go to TransUnion's "True Credit" website and pay for what they believe to be their credit scores. What they get are deceptively named "TrueCredit" scores which vary significantly from the FICO scores used by lenders. Here is the (almost impossible to find) small print from the TransUnion website. "TrueCredit is not connected in any way with Fair, Isaac and Company; the credit score provided here is not a so-called FICO score. The credit scores of TransUnion may not be identical in every respect to any consumer credit scores produced by any other company."
Not Free Credit Report
Are you starting your credit repair effort? You can get all three of your credit reports for free, one time per year, from AnnualCreditReport.com. Don’t be fooled by Experian's freecreditreport.com website! Here is the fine print: "When you order your free report here, you will begin your free trial membership in Triple AdvantageSM Credit Monitoring. If you don't cancel your membership within the 30-day trial period, you will be billed $12.95 for each month that you continue your membership." And it may not be so easy to cancel. The Office of the Attorney General of Florida lists the following issues in their investigation of Experian: "Deceptive advertising, misleading domain name, and failure to honor cancellations in violation of Chapter 501, Part II, Florida Statutes (Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act)."
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Credit Repair: Student Loans
A Tough Spot
There is no statute of limitation for collection of defaulted student loans. And unless you are totally and permanently disabled, there is no way that you can discharge your student loans in a bankruptcy. What to do? Credit repair expert Jim Kemish offers some insight and a cure.
The Default Story
Legally, a default occurs the first time you fail to make a payment when it is due. But if you fail to make your student loan payment for 180 days, your loan will enter the “official” default status and take on a life of its own. This is the point at which the lender will report your student loan as defaulted to the credit bureaus. It is also the point at which a long list of bad things can start to occur. Your tax refund checks can be seized and your wages can be garnished.
What Happened?
Why are student loans so different from all other debts? Well, prior to 1991 the U.S. Department of Education was empowered to collect delinquent student loans for only six years. But in 1991 an amendment to the Higher U.S. Department of Education Act lifted all time limits for collection. And the amendment was retroactive; student loans that were past the statute of limitation for collection prior to the amendment became collectable again. And to further reinforce the longevity of student loan debt, a 1998 change in federal law made it virtually impossible to discharge student loan debt in a bankruptcy.
The Reason for All This
The theory behind making sure that student loan debt can be collected forever is simple; the cost of student loans can be kept low by minimizing the number of borrowers that don’t repay. And since education, and the availability of low cost education loans, is always a political priority, it was not all that difficult to enact these changes.
The Ultimate Collectors
There is simply no way to escape the U.S. Department of Education and their army of private collection agencies that collect on their behalf. In addition, Sallie Mae, the nation’s largest student loan lender, has been purchasing collection agencies to track you down. So, what if they find you and you say you have no money? Well, the U.S. Department of Education now has the right to garnish wages, grab your tax refunds, and even seize your Social Security Checks (you read that right!), all without a court order. And, although Sallie Mae does not wield the same powers, they have started to turn over hard cases to the U.S. Department of Education to get the job done. Anyone attempting credit repair must realize that student loans must be dealt with head on, and the sooner the better.
Credit Repair Options
There are two great solutions that are designed to solve all of your student loan problems. Both of these options can stop all collection activity, lower your interest rate and payment, and reinstate your right to borrow more money for school (in case you want to go back to school). There are no qualification requirements and you are not punished for having bad credit. Everyone gets the same low interest rate. These two options are consolidation and rehabilitation. Both are a good fit with any credit repair process.
Student Loan Consolidation
Just contact the lender or collector and tell them that you would like to consolidate your defaulted loans. You will be required to make three monthly payments on time. Once you have done this you will qualify for consolidation. If you are attempting credit repair you should note that after consolidation your credit report will be updated to show the consolidated status, but the default notation will remain, like most derogatory information, for seven years. If you are in a rough patch the consolidation program allows for up to three years forbearance. Ask your lender for details. My focus has been on defaulted student loans, but it may be handy to note that you do not need to be in default to enjoy the benefits of consolidation.
Rehabilitation
This is a slightly longer process, but has the extra benefit of removing the default status notation from your credit report. To rehabilitate your loan you need to make nine to twelve consecutive on-time payments (depending on which type of student loan you have). Once you have completed this process your loan is considered “seasoned” and is sold to a new lender, and the default is wiped off of your credit. Once done, it is like it never happened. If you are attempting credit repair you should note that your payment history, including any late payments that you made, will remain, but your credit score will benefit from the removal of the default. Borrowers are allowed to rehabilitate a defaulted student loan one time only. As always, contact your lender to discuss the details.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
There is no statute of limitation for collection of defaulted student loans. And unless you are totally and permanently disabled, there is no way that you can discharge your student loans in a bankruptcy. What to do? Credit repair expert Jim Kemish offers some insight and a cure.
The Default Story
Legally, a default occurs the first time you fail to make a payment when it is due. But if you fail to make your student loan payment for 180 days, your loan will enter the “official” default status and take on a life of its own. This is the point at which the lender will report your student loan as defaulted to the credit bureaus. It is also the point at which a long list of bad things can start to occur. Your tax refund checks can be seized and your wages can be garnished.
What Happened?
Why are student loans so different from all other debts? Well, prior to 1991 the U.S. Department of Education was empowered to collect delinquent student loans for only six years. But in 1991 an amendment to the Higher U.S. Department of Education Act lifted all time limits for collection. And the amendment was retroactive; student loans that were past the statute of limitation for collection prior to the amendment became collectable again. And to further reinforce the longevity of student loan debt, a 1998 change in federal law made it virtually impossible to discharge student loan debt in a bankruptcy.
The Reason for All This
The theory behind making sure that student loan debt can be collected forever is simple; the cost of student loans can be kept low by minimizing the number of borrowers that don’t repay. And since education, and the availability of low cost education loans, is always a political priority, it was not all that difficult to enact these changes.
The Ultimate Collectors
There is simply no way to escape the U.S. Department of Education and their army of private collection agencies that collect on their behalf. In addition, Sallie Mae, the nation’s largest student loan lender, has been purchasing collection agencies to track you down. So, what if they find you and you say you have no money? Well, the U.S. Department of Education now has the right to garnish wages, grab your tax refunds, and even seize your Social Security Checks (you read that right!), all without a court order. And, although Sallie Mae does not wield the same powers, they have started to turn over hard cases to the U.S. Department of Education to get the job done. Anyone attempting credit repair must realize that student loans must be dealt with head on, and the sooner the better.
Credit Repair Options
There are two great solutions that are designed to solve all of your student loan problems. Both of these options can stop all collection activity, lower your interest rate and payment, and reinstate your right to borrow more money for school (in case you want to go back to school). There are no qualification requirements and you are not punished for having bad credit. Everyone gets the same low interest rate. These two options are consolidation and rehabilitation. Both are a good fit with any credit repair process.
Student Loan Consolidation
Just contact the lender or collector and tell them that you would like to consolidate your defaulted loans. You will be required to make three monthly payments on time. Once you have done this you will qualify for consolidation. If you are attempting credit repair you should note that after consolidation your credit report will be updated to show the consolidated status, but the default notation will remain, like most derogatory information, for seven years. If you are in a rough patch the consolidation program allows for up to three years forbearance. Ask your lender for details. My focus has been on defaulted student loans, but it may be handy to note that you do not need to be in default to enjoy the benefits of consolidation.
Rehabilitation
This is a slightly longer process, but has the extra benefit of removing the default status notation from your credit report. To rehabilitate your loan you need to make nine to twelve consecutive on-time payments (depending on which type of student loan you have). Once you have completed this process your loan is considered “seasoned” and is sold to a new lender, and the default is wiped off of your credit. Once done, it is like it never happened. If you are attempting credit repair you should note that your payment history, including any late payments that you made, will remain, but your credit score will benefit from the removal of the default. Borrowers are allowed to rehabilitate a defaulted student loan one time only. As always, contact your lender to discuss the details.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Credit Repair: Collection Solutions
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The FDCPA is the consumer protection act designed to prohibit abusive practices by debt collectors. The FDCPA specifically defines a collector as any person that collects debts owed to others, and may include attorneys that collect debts on a regular basis. Note that the language indicates “debts owed to others”, and therefore excludes original creditors from its scope.
Getting Started
When a debt collector initiates a collection effort they must send you a written notice indicating: 1) How much you owe, 2) The name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed, 3) Notice that unless you, within thirty days after receipt of the notice, dispute the validity of the debt or any portion thereof, the debt will be assumed valid by the debt collector, 4) That if you dispute the debt in full or in part within thirty days, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt and mail it to the consumer, and 5) Upon written request within thirty days, the debt collector will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.
Exercising Your Rights
Your rights under the FDCPA, as indicated above, allow you to dispute the validity of the debt in full or in part within 30 days of receiving written notice. Your legal rights, as in all credit repair efforts, are the tools that you will use to establish the facts. An extra benefit of disputing the validity of the debt is that the collector must cease all communication until they have furnished the documentation that you have requested. In many cases, especially with older debts where documentation could be hard to obtain, you may never hear from the collector again.
Bringing an Attorney into the Picture
If you have an attorney, the debt collector must contact the attorney instead of you. This is a good way to put an end to abusive collection calls. The collector will undoubtedly be on best behavior when communicating with an attorney and a good deal of grief may be avoided. In many cases unscrupulous collectors sense weakness in the consumer and take advantage, often acting illegally to extort payment. We highly recommend hiring an attorney for anyone that feels out of their depth and uncomfortable when speaking with a pushy collector.
Cease Communication Letter
If you would like the debt collector to stop contacting you altogether you can send a letter asking them to stop. Once they receive your letter, they are allowed to contact you only one additional time for the purpose of telling you that they intend to take a certain specific action. This strategy is often recommended by credit repair companies, but be aware that in some cases, especially with recent or large collections, your letter may push the collector into taking legal action to recover, such as filing a lawsuit.
Statue of Limitations
Many collections efforts are not legitimate. Statutes of limitations for collecting debt are typically far less than the statutes of limitation for reporting debt on your credit report. Debts may be collectable for as little as three years. It is crucial to understand that the statute of limitations clock starts with the original creditor. For most states the statute of limitation starts on the day you made your last payment on the account. This date can not be reset by the passing from creditor to collector, or from one collector to another. But beware that in some states partial payment can reset the statute of limitation clock. Check your state statutes of limitation, easily found on the internet, or speak with a credit repair expert before assuming anything.
Bad Behavior
The FDCPA prohibits a wide range of specific inappropriate behavior by collectors. Prohibited practices include contacting you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., calling you at work if you tell them that your employer does not approve, use of threats, obscene language, repeated calls designed to scare you into making payment, implying affiliation with the government, or implying that you have could be arrested for not paying a debt. In the credit repair business we are regularly asked about specific collection practices. Many of the stories we hear detail outrageous and illegal behavior...
Pick up the Phone
If you feel that a collector is behaving in an improper or illegal manner, the ultimate resource for answers is the FTC. If you find yourself on the telephone with a collector in such a situation it is entirely appropriate for you take careful notes: Ask their name (the FDCPA prohibits the use of false names), ask them to repeat anything that you are uncomfortable with, and then call the FTC. They welcome phone calls. The toll-free number is (877) FTC-HELP. That’s easy!
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
The FDCPA is the consumer protection act designed to prohibit abusive practices by debt collectors. The FDCPA specifically defines a collector as any person that collects debts owed to others, and may include attorneys that collect debts on a regular basis. Note that the language indicates “debts owed to others”, and therefore excludes original creditors from its scope.
Getting Started
When a debt collector initiates a collection effort they must send you a written notice indicating: 1) How much you owe, 2) The name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed, 3) Notice that unless you, within thirty days after receipt of the notice, dispute the validity of the debt or any portion thereof, the debt will be assumed valid by the debt collector, 4) That if you dispute the debt in full or in part within thirty days, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt and mail it to the consumer, and 5) Upon written request within thirty days, the debt collector will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor.
Exercising Your Rights
Your rights under the FDCPA, as indicated above, allow you to dispute the validity of the debt in full or in part within 30 days of receiving written notice. Your legal rights, as in all credit repair efforts, are the tools that you will use to establish the facts. An extra benefit of disputing the validity of the debt is that the collector must cease all communication until they have furnished the documentation that you have requested. In many cases, especially with older debts where documentation could be hard to obtain, you may never hear from the collector again.
Bringing an Attorney into the Picture
If you have an attorney, the debt collector must contact the attorney instead of you. This is a good way to put an end to abusive collection calls. The collector will undoubtedly be on best behavior when communicating with an attorney and a good deal of grief may be avoided. In many cases unscrupulous collectors sense weakness in the consumer and take advantage, often acting illegally to extort payment. We highly recommend hiring an attorney for anyone that feels out of their depth and uncomfortable when speaking with a pushy collector.
Cease Communication Letter
If you would like the debt collector to stop contacting you altogether you can send a letter asking them to stop. Once they receive your letter, they are allowed to contact you only one additional time for the purpose of telling you that they intend to take a certain specific action. This strategy is often recommended by credit repair companies, but be aware that in some cases, especially with recent or large collections, your letter may push the collector into taking legal action to recover, such as filing a lawsuit.
Statue of Limitations
Many collections efforts are not legitimate. Statutes of limitations for collecting debt are typically far less than the statutes of limitation for reporting debt on your credit report. Debts may be collectable for as little as three years. It is crucial to understand that the statute of limitations clock starts with the original creditor. For most states the statute of limitation starts on the day you made your last payment on the account. This date can not be reset by the passing from creditor to collector, or from one collector to another. But beware that in some states partial payment can reset the statute of limitation clock. Check your state statutes of limitation, easily found on the internet, or speak with a credit repair expert before assuming anything.
Bad Behavior
The FDCPA prohibits a wide range of specific inappropriate behavior by collectors. Prohibited practices include contacting you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., calling you at work if you tell them that your employer does not approve, use of threats, obscene language, repeated calls designed to scare you into making payment, implying affiliation with the government, or implying that you have could be arrested for not paying a debt. In the credit repair business we are regularly asked about specific collection practices. Many of the stories we hear detail outrageous and illegal behavior...
Pick up the Phone
If you feel that a collector is behaving in an improper or illegal manner, the ultimate resource for answers is the FTC. If you find yourself on the telephone with a collector in such a situation it is entirely appropriate for you take careful notes: Ask their name (the FDCPA prohibits the use of false names), ask them to repeat anything that you are uncomfortable with, and then call the FTC. They welcome phone calls. The toll-free number is (877) FTC-HELP. That’s easy!
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Credit Repair: Try This!
Do you have a past due credit card that is hurting your credit scores? Would you like the creditor to make it current, and even eliminate your entire record of late payments? It can be done. Credit repair expert Jim Kemish explains a neat little trick that may be as easy as picking up the phone.
An Overview of Re-Aging
Credit card issuers have the ability to bring your account current and wipe out your entire record of late payments using a procedure called “re-aging”. Re-aging, if managed properly, can be a fantastic credit repair tool. The re-aging guidelines were set by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) in June of 2000 for the purpose of helping “borrowers overcome temporary financial difficulties, such as loss of job, medical emergency, or change in family circumstances like loss of a family member”.
The Policy Background
The FFIEC is a formal interagency body empowered by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and others, to prescribe principles and standards in the supervision of financial institutions. The re-aging guidelines are observed by all credit card issuers with the understanding that they can take a more “conservative” stance at their discretion. Credit Unions did not opt to adopt this policy, but if you have a credit card with a credit union it does not hurt to ask if they have a re-aging policy.
Some Plain English
It sounds great so far! But how does it work? Re-aging is defined as “returning a delinquent, open-end account to current status without collecting the total amount of principle, interest, and fees that are contractually due”. And it means what it says. If you meet certain, very reasonable, guidelines your credit card issuer will wipe out your bad credit. What are those guidelines?
Nuts and Bolts
There are a few basic rules. The account has to have existed for at least 9 months, you have to offer to make three on-time payments or an equivalent lump sum payment before the re-aging will be finalized, you cannot re-age an account more than one time in any 12 month period and no more than 2 times in any 5 year period. Working on credit repair? Please note that there is no limit on the number of accounts that you can re-age. But I suggest you complete one effort first to get comfortable.
Your Part of the Deal
Just so you understand, this process is designed for cardholders that have a renewed willingness and ability to make payments in a timely manner. Like any credit repair effort there is no point if you fall behind again. It is also designed for cardholders that have experienced a financial hardship. Remember the list of hardships that constitute acceptable causes of past financial problems: loss of job, medical emergency, and change in family circumstances like loss of a family member. There may be other equally acceptable events. But since the re-aging process is taken seriously you should not expect that your request be honored if you say that you just didn’t want to pay your bills!
Getting Started
Are you ready to get started? Call the credit card issuer and ask them to explain their re-aging policy. Some issuers use the term, “curing”. If the person on the phone does not know what you are talking about you should ask for a supervisor. You will want to organize your thoughts in advance. Remember that you need to communicate the reasons for your past delinquency and your renewed willingness and ability to pay on time from now on.
The Deal
Re-aging deals can differ from one issuer to the next. You will want to make sure that all derogatory information will be deleted from your account. It is also a good idea to get the details in writing. Anyone who has made a credit repair effort knows that verbal agreements with creditors have a pretty poor record of success. If they won’t put it in writing, at least take careful notes including the name and direct phone number of the person that you are speaking with.
A Caution
Removing derogatory information from your credit is a great thing. It is the goal of every credit repair effort. But it is important to keep your FICO score in mind as well. If the issuer resets the opening date on your account when they remove your derogatory information you may lose points, depending on the number and age of other accounts on your report. Ask the issuers specifically if they will reset the open date. Some do and some don’t. If they will, you’ll want to consider the impact on your scores. FICO loves old accounts. If you have plenty of accounts with many years of history there is no problem. But if your credit is young and limited resetting an older account could be a set back, at least temporarily.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
An Overview of Re-Aging
Credit card issuers have the ability to bring your account current and wipe out your entire record of late payments using a procedure called “re-aging”. Re-aging, if managed properly, can be a fantastic credit repair tool. The re-aging guidelines were set by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) in June of 2000 for the purpose of helping “borrowers overcome temporary financial difficulties, such as loss of job, medical emergency, or change in family circumstances like loss of a family member”.
The Policy Background
The FFIEC is a formal interagency body empowered by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and others, to prescribe principles and standards in the supervision of financial institutions. The re-aging guidelines are observed by all credit card issuers with the understanding that they can take a more “conservative” stance at their discretion. Credit Unions did not opt to adopt this policy, but if you have a credit card with a credit union it does not hurt to ask if they have a re-aging policy.
Some Plain English
It sounds great so far! But how does it work? Re-aging is defined as “returning a delinquent, open-end account to current status without collecting the total amount of principle, interest, and fees that are contractually due”. And it means what it says. If you meet certain, very reasonable, guidelines your credit card issuer will wipe out your bad credit. What are those guidelines?
Nuts and Bolts
There are a few basic rules. The account has to have existed for at least 9 months, you have to offer to make three on-time payments or an equivalent lump sum payment before the re-aging will be finalized, you cannot re-age an account more than one time in any 12 month period and no more than 2 times in any 5 year period. Working on credit repair? Please note that there is no limit on the number of accounts that you can re-age. But I suggest you complete one effort first to get comfortable.
Your Part of the Deal
Just so you understand, this process is designed for cardholders that have a renewed willingness and ability to make payments in a timely manner. Like any credit repair effort there is no point if you fall behind again. It is also designed for cardholders that have experienced a financial hardship. Remember the list of hardships that constitute acceptable causes of past financial problems: loss of job, medical emergency, and change in family circumstances like loss of a family member. There may be other equally acceptable events. But since the re-aging process is taken seriously you should not expect that your request be honored if you say that you just didn’t want to pay your bills!
Getting Started
Are you ready to get started? Call the credit card issuer and ask them to explain their re-aging policy. Some issuers use the term, “curing”. If the person on the phone does not know what you are talking about you should ask for a supervisor. You will want to organize your thoughts in advance. Remember that you need to communicate the reasons for your past delinquency and your renewed willingness and ability to pay on time from now on.
The Deal
Re-aging deals can differ from one issuer to the next. You will want to make sure that all derogatory information will be deleted from your account. It is also a good idea to get the details in writing. Anyone who has made a credit repair effort knows that verbal agreements with creditors have a pretty poor record of success. If they won’t put it in writing, at least take careful notes including the name and direct phone number of the person that you are speaking with.
A Caution
Removing derogatory information from your credit is a great thing. It is the goal of every credit repair effort. But it is important to keep your FICO score in mind as well. If the issuer resets the opening date on your account when they remove your derogatory information you may lose points, depending on the number and age of other accounts on your report. Ask the issuers specifically if they will reset the open date. Some do and some don’t. If they will, you’ll want to consider the impact on your scores. FICO loves old accounts. If you have plenty of accounts with many years of history there is no problem. But if your credit is young and limited resetting an older account could be a set back, at least temporarily.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Credit Repair: Statute of Limitation Tips
Statute of Limitation Violations
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) amendment to the FCRA of 2003, is the federal legislation that governs the credit reporting industry. Statutes of limitation for reporting time limits are provided by this legislation. Knowing how these time limits work is essential to any effective credit repair effort.
In Plain English
Let’s try to put some of this jargon into plain English. The term “statute of limitation” in the case of your credit reports, simply refers to the maximum amount of time that a derogatory item can continue to be reported. When the statute of limitation passes for any negative item on your credit report, that item should vanish. There are an amazing number of violations of these time limits that may appear on your report. Some violations are intentional as in the case of many of the collection accounts that we see, and others are due to a simple failure of the highly complex credit reporting system. A careful credit repair effort can eliminate these violations.
An Interesting Point
In a moment we will review statutes of limitation for the most common types of derogatory information. But you might find it interesting to know that the Federal Trade Commission permits the credit bureaus to delete information at any time at their discretion. There is no requirement that the bureaus wait until the passing of a statute of limitation date to stop reporting.
Collections and Charge Offs
Collections and charge offs must cease reporting seven years plus 180 days from the initial delinquency that led to the collection status or to the charge off. The initial delinquency is the date of the first 30 day late status that led to the collection or charge off. This period of time cannot be reset by any subsequent payment or for any other reason. The clock starts with the original creditor. Collectors such as assignees, attorneys, or collection agencies must abide by the same original statue of limitation expiration date. Neither the original creditor nor collectors can extend these reporting limits. Any attempt to do so is illegal. Unfortunately this law is often ignored. Effective credit repair efforts require a very exacting examination of these dates.
Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcies can report for 10 years from the discharge date. Chapter 13 bankruptcies can report for 7 years from the filing date. But be aware that if the Chapter 13 is not completed the reporting limit is extended to 10 years. I mentioned above that the credit bureaus are allowed to delete information from your report prior to the expiration of statute of limitation. Any credit repair effort should take this flexibility into consideration. Bankruptcy is a case where we highly recommend requesting removal. If you are five or more years past discharge your request may be honored.
Tax Liens
Paid tax liens can report for 7 years from the date of payment. Unpaid tax liens can report for as long as they are in effect. Please be aware that most unpaid tax liens are released by the IRS after 10 years. The IRS will usually provide a lien release upon request after the 10 year limit has past. When you provide the release to the credit bureaus they will cease reporting. There are cases that allow the IRS to re-file. Please speak to your CPA or tax attorney for clarification before contacting the IRS!
Judgments
Generally, unpaid judgments will cease reporting 7 years after the filing date. However, unpaid judgments are a case where state statute of limitation will overrule federal statute. Your state may allow unpaid judgments to report for longer than 7 years. State statutes of limitation are easily found on the internet. Paid judgments may be reported for 7 years from the filing date. No state statutes may overrule federal limits for paid judgments.
Gone but Not Gone
Derogatory information that falls off of your credit report due to an expiration of the statutory time limit does not get deleted. This obsolescent information should not continue to appear on your credit report, but it is not gone. If you apply for a loan for over $150,000, life insurance with a death benefit over $150,000, or a job that pays over $75,000, your potential lender, insurer, or employer has the right to view your prior history. This fact adds some additional support to the case for credit report vigilance. If you are attempting credit repair and have erroneous info on your report it is best to dispute it now. Waiting for the statue of limitation to pass may not produce the clean result that you want. Disputed items that get deleted are literally removed from your credit report.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) amendment to the FCRA of 2003, is the federal legislation that governs the credit reporting industry. Statutes of limitation for reporting time limits are provided by this legislation. Knowing how these time limits work is essential to any effective credit repair effort.
In Plain English
Let’s try to put some of this jargon into plain English. The term “statute of limitation” in the case of your credit reports, simply refers to the maximum amount of time that a derogatory item can continue to be reported. When the statute of limitation passes for any negative item on your credit report, that item should vanish. There are an amazing number of violations of these time limits that may appear on your report. Some violations are intentional as in the case of many of the collection accounts that we see, and others are due to a simple failure of the highly complex credit reporting system. A careful credit repair effort can eliminate these violations.
An Interesting Point
In a moment we will review statutes of limitation for the most common types of derogatory information. But you might find it interesting to know that the Federal Trade Commission permits the credit bureaus to delete information at any time at their discretion. There is no requirement that the bureaus wait until the passing of a statute of limitation date to stop reporting.
Collections and Charge Offs
Collections and charge offs must cease reporting seven years plus 180 days from the initial delinquency that led to the collection status or to the charge off. The initial delinquency is the date of the first 30 day late status that led to the collection or charge off. This period of time cannot be reset by any subsequent payment or for any other reason. The clock starts with the original creditor. Collectors such as assignees, attorneys, or collection agencies must abide by the same original statue of limitation expiration date. Neither the original creditor nor collectors can extend these reporting limits. Any attempt to do so is illegal. Unfortunately this law is often ignored. Effective credit repair efforts require a very exacting examination of these dates.
Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcies can report for 10 years from the discharge date. Chapter 13 bankruptcies can report for 7 years from the filing date. But be aware that if the Chapter 13 is not completed the reporting limit is extended to 10 years. I mentioned above that the credit bureaus are allowed to delete information from your report prior to the expiration of statute of limitation. Any credit repair effort should take this flexibility into consideration. Bankruptcy is a case where we highly recommend requesting removal. If you are five or more years past discharge your request may be honored.
Tax Liens
Paid tax liens can report for 7 years from the date of payment. Unpaid tax liens can report for as long as they are in effect. Please be aware that most unpaid tax liens are released by the IRS after 10 years. The IRS will usually provide a lien release upon request after the 10 year limit has past. When you provide the release to the credit bureaus they will cease reporting. There are cases that allow the IRS to re-file. Please speak to your CPA or tax attorney for clarification before contacting the IRS!
Judgments
Generally, unpaid judgments will cease reporting 7 years after the filing date. However, unpaid judgments are a case where state statute of limitation will overrule federal statute. Your state may allow unpaid judgments to report for longer than 7 years. State statutes of limitation are easily found on the internet. Paid judgments may be reported for 7 years from the filing date. No state statutes may overrule federal limits for paid judgments.
Gone but Not Gone
Derogatory information that falls off of your credit report due to an expiration of the statutory time limit does not get deleted. This obsolescent information should not continue to appear on your credit report, but it is not gone. If you apply for a loan for over $150,000, life insurance with a death benefit over $150,000, or a job that pays over $75,000, your potential lender, insurer, or employer has the right to view your prior history. This fact adds some additional support to the case for credit report vigilance. If you are attempting credit repair and have erroneous info on your report it is best to dispute it now. Waiting for the statue of limitation to pass may not produce the clean result that you want. Disputed items that get deleted are literally removed from your credit report.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Credit Repair: Quick Identity Theft Solution
An Unpleasant Possibility
Are there entries on your credit report that do not belong to you? These may be the result of a file merger error on the part of the credit bureaus. Or they may be the result of a more nefarious case of identity theft. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you very specific and powerful tools to correct cases of identity theft and to quickly block the erroneous information from appearing on your credit report and impacting your credit scores.
Section 611
Most disputes are governed by FCRA Section 611 procedures which rule that “if the completeness or accuracy of any item of information contained in a consumer's file at a consumer reporting agency is disputed by the consumer and the consumer notifies the agency directly, or indirectly through a reseller, of such dispute, the agency shall, free of charge, conduct a reasonable reinvestigation to determine whether the disputed information is inaccurate and record the current status of the disputed information, or delete the item from the file, before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the agency receives the notice of the dispute.”
A Powerful Credit Repair Tool
Section 611 procedures are normally fine, but if you have a pending transaction that requires your credit report to be in top form and time is of the essence you should consider getting out the big guns. The FCRA remedy for identity theft is the most powerful and quick acting tool available. But before you utilize this powerful credit repair tool you need to determine that the erroneous information on your report is something more than a file merger problem.
Assess the Situation
Many of the erroneous entries that appear on consumer’s credit reports are due to annoying file merger problems resulting from deficiencies in the credit bureau’s data management systems. These are altogether too common and do not fall into the category of identity theft. If you examine your credit report and discover an account that does not belong to you it is essential to take action immediately. The first step is to call the creditor that is furnishing the data to the credit bureau and ask them if the account is truly under your name. In many cases victims of file mergers discover quickly that these mysterious accounts belong to someone with similar identifying characteristics, like a similar name. In this case your credit repair efforts will fall under Section 611 as indicated above. But if the creditor says that it is your account and verifies your name and address, and you know that this is an account that you never personally opened it is time to act.
The Dispute
An Identity Theft Dispute must include an Identity Theft Report which may be obtained from an authorized agency including, but not limited to, your local police department, the FTC, the States Attorney General Office, and The United States Post Office. In addition to the Identity Theft Report you must include clear proof of your identity, identification of each suspect account on your report, and a statement that the suspect information is not related to any transaction made by you. Don’t make the mistake of providing speculation about the disputed items. The credit bureaus only want the simple facts. Many credit repair efforts are foiled by too much information. Don’t muddy the water.
Immediate Results
Once you have properly submitted an Identify Theft Dispute to one of the credit bureaus they are required to take immediate action. The FCRA (Section 605B) mandates that a credit bureau block the reporting of any information that you have identified as having resulted from identity theft within four business days of the receipt of your dispute. The blocking of information means that it cannot be included on your credit report nor have any impact on your credit scores. To further accommodate your dispute the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion must refer your dispute to each other. This eliminates the burden of dealing with your credit repair project in triplicate. Other rights related to identity theft include Fraud Alerts and Credit Freeze which may or may not be appropriate for your situation.
Contact a Credit Repair Professional
If you feel in doubt about the process and want clarification contact a credit repair professional. Most reputable credit repair companies will offer a free consultation and take the time to clarify any concerns that you may have. If you would rather hire someone instead of doing it yourself, a competent credit repair professional can perform the work for you in an efficient and careful manner.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Are there entries on your credit report that do not belong to you? These may be the result of a file merger error on the part of the credit bureaus. Or they may be the result of a more nefarious case of identity theft. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you very specific and powerful tools to correct cases of identity theft and to quickly block the erroneous information from appearing on your credit report and impacting your credit scores.
Section 611
Most disputes are governed by FCRA Section 611 procedures which rule that “if the completeness or accuracy of any item of information contained in a consumer's file at a consumer reporting agency is disputed by the consumer and the consumer notifies the agency directly, or indirectly through a reseller, of such dispute, the agency shall, free of charge, conduct a reasonable reinvestigation to determine whether the disputed information is inaccurate and record the current status of the disputed information, or delete the item from the file, before the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the agency receives the notice of the dispute.”
A Powerful Credit Repair Tool
Section 611 procedures are normally fine, but if you have a pending transaction that requires your credit report to be in top form and time is of the essence you should consider getting out the big guns. The FCRA remedy for identity theft is the most powerful and quick acting tool available. But before you utilize this powerful credit repair tool you need to determine that the erroneous information on your report is something more than a file merger problem.
Assess the Situation
Many of the erroneous entries that appear on consumer’s credit reports are due to annoying file merger problems resulting from deficiencies in the credit bureau’s data management systems. These are altogether too common and do not fall into the category of identity theft. If you examine your credit report and discover an account that does not belong to you it is essential to take action immediately. The first step is to call the creditor that is furnishing the data to the credit bureau and ask them if the account is truly under your name. In many cases victims of file mergers discover quickly that these mysterious accounts belong to someone with similar identifying characteristics, like a similar name. In this case your credit repair efforts will fall under Section 611 as indicated above. But if the creditor says that it is your account and verifies your name and address, and you know that this is an account that you never personally opened it is time to act.
The Dispute
An Identity Theft Dispute must include an Identity Theft Report which may be obtained from an authorized agency including, but not limited to, your local police department, the FTC, the States Attorney General Office, and The United States Post Office. In addition to the Identity Theft Report you must include clear proof of your identity, identification of each suspect account on your report, and a statement that the suspect information is not related to any transaction made by you. Don’t make the mistake of providing speculation about the disputed items. The credit bureaus only want the simple facts. Many credit repair efforts are foiled by too much information. Don’t muddy the water.
Immediate Results
Once you have properly submitted an Identify Theft Dispute to one of the credit bureaus they are required to take immediate action. The FCRA (Section 605B) mandates that a credit bureau block the reporting of any information that you have identified as having resulted from identity theft within four business days of the receipt of your dispute. The blocking of information means that it cannot be included on your credit report nor have any impact on your credit scores. To further accommodate your dispute the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion must refer your dispute to each other. This eliminates the burden of dealing with your credit repair project in triplicate. Other rights related to identity theft include Fraud Alerts and Credit Freeze which may or may not be appropriate for your situation.
Contact a Credit Repair Professional
If you feel in doubt about the process and want clarification contact a credit repair professional. Most reputable credit repair companies will offer a free consultation and take the time to clarify any concerns that you may have. If you would rather hire someone instead of doing it yourself, a competent credit repair professional can perform the work for you in an efficient and careful manner.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Florida Mortgage: Wake Up Call
No Exaggeration
There are a staggering number of Florida mortgage customers that will be impacted by the changes in the mortgage industry. Maybe you have heard that twenty percent of all homes purchased nationwide in recent years were purchased using subprime mortgage products. The Florida real estate market is one of the most active in the country and the percentage of subprime mortgages utilized here in the last five years is over twenty-five percent. These subprime products, although not entirely extinct yet, are vanishing at an accelerating pace. What are the implications?
Sorry, No Refinance For You
If you are one of the millions of Florida mortgage customers that purchased homes using a subprime mortgage it is time to examine your situation. Most subprime mortgages have adjustable rate features. The most typical subprime product is fixed for a period of two years before it adjusts. Some are timed to adjust after three years. Do you have an adjustable rate mortgage? Do you know when it will adjust? Will you be able to afford the higher payment? If you used subprime financing to purchase your home and your situation has not improved enough to allow you to qualify for a conventional mortgage you may not be able to refinance. If you cannot afford your new adjusted payment and you cannot qualify for a refinance, what will you do?
The Spillover Effect
Subprime borrowers are not alone in their quandary. As the subprime mortgage market has shut down, lenders that offered creative financing options to prime borrowers have begun to rethink their product line. Stated income programs, also known as SISA, or no-income verification mortgages are in danger of extinction as well. Guidelines are being tightened daily. Of some additional concern are the possible actions of the States who have begun to discuss banning these mortgage products within their borders. This has not occurred in Florida, but given the recent upswing in mortgage defaults, it is conceivable.
The Florida Prime Mortgage Market Impact
I’m thinking of all of the prime Florida mortgage customers, even those with exemplary scores in the seven hundred plus range that utilized SISA or no-doc programs in the past. As a Florida mortgage broker I can attest to the popularity of these products among my customers. I can’t predict the impact of the elimination of these prime products, but at the very least these borrowers will face considerably more paperwork when they apply for a mortgage. In some cases these borrowers may no longer qualify for financing at all. I do expect, however, that mortgage lenders will find a way to continue to offer some form of low-doc financing options to borrowers with excellent credit.
He Who Hesitates is Lost
Do yourself a big favor. Take action today. Take a close look at your situation. Pull out your mortgage note if you need to. Figure out when your mortgage will adjust. Should you refinance right now while there are still mortgage programs that will accommodate your credit and income profile? Call your friendly Florida mortgage broker and have a chat. I promise you that there is some action that you can take today to make sure that there is a reasonable solution tomorrow.
Credit Repair
Credit repair is entirely legal and often underestimated. Most borrowers that are relegated to the subprime category have credit issues. Without exception, every credit impaired subprime borrower can take action to improve their credit and graduate into a prime borrower class. How is your credit? If you have had credit issues in the past it is essential to become pro-active about your credit. Please, please, never imagine that there is nothing that you can do about your credit. Too many people simply give up on themselves. A bit of attention could very well mean a one hundred point improvement in your credit score and a whole new outlook on life. Don’t doubt. Speak to a credit repair professional.
Knowledge is Power
Whatever your situation in life you will always be better off truly knowing the facts as well as your options. Everyday is an opportunity to turn your situation around. Pick up the phone. Call your Florida mortgage broker or a credit repair expert. Ask questions. Almost every reputable financial professional offers a free consultation. Take advantage. Learn something new everyday. You will, without fail, discover that you have infinitely more control over your future than you thought. Invest some time in your own life. That investment will pay amazing dividends.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
There are a staggering number of Florida mortgage customers that will be impacted by the changes in the mortgage industry. Maybe you have heard that twenty percent of all homes purchased nationwide in recent years were purchased using subprime mortgage products. The Florida real estate market is one of the most active in the country and the percentage of subprime mortgages utilized here in the last five years is over twenty-five percent. These subprime products, although not entirely extinct yet, are vanishing at an accelerating pace. What are the implications?
Sorry, No Refinance For You
If you are one of the millions of Florida mortgage customers that purchased homes using a subprime mortgage it is time to examine your situation. Most subprime mortgages have adjustable rate features. The most typical subprime product is fixed for a period of two years before it adjusts. Some are timed to adjust after three years. Do you have an adjustable rate mortgage? Do you know when it will adjust? Will you be able to afford the higher payment? If you used subprime financing to purchase your home and your situation has not improved enough to allow you to qualify for a conventional mortgage you may not be able to refinance. If you cannot afford your new adjusted payment and you cannot qualify for a refinance, what will you do?
The Spillover Effect
Subprime borrowers are not alone in their quandary. As the subprime mortgage market has shut down, lenders that offered creative financing options to prime borrowers have begun to rethink their product line. Stated income programs, also known as SISA, or no-income verification mortgages are in danger of extinction as well. Guidelines are being tightened daily. Of some additional concern are the possible actions of the States who have begun to discuss banning these mortgage products within their borders. This has not occurred in Florida, but given the recent upswing in mortgage defaults, it is conceivable.
The Florida Prime Mortgage Market Impact
I’m thinking of all of the prime Florida mortgage customers, even those with exemplary scores in the seven hundred plus range that utilized SISA or no-doc programs in the past. As a Florida mortgage broker I can attest to the popularity of these products among my customers. I can’t predict the impact of the elimination of these prime products, but at the very least these borrowers will face considerably more paperwork when they apply for a mortgage. In some cases these borrowers may no longer qualify for financing at all. I do expect, however, that mortgage lenders will find a way to continue to offer some form of low-doc financing options to borrowers with excellent credit.
He Who Hesitates is Lost
Do yourself a big favor. Take action today. Take a close look at your situation. Pull out your mortgage note if you need to. Figure out when your mortgage will adjust. Should you refinance right now while there are still mortgage programs that will accommodate your credit and income profile? Call your friendly Florida mortgage broker and have a chat. I promise you that there is some action that you can take today to make sure that there is a reasonable solution tomorrow.
Credit Repair
Credit repair is entirely legal and often underestimated. Most borrowers that are relegated to the subprime category have credit issues. Without exception, every credit impaired subprime borrower can take action to improve their credit and graduate into a prime borrower class. How is your credit? If you have had credit issues in the past it is essential to become pro-active about your credit. Please, please, never imagine that there is nothing that you can do about your credit. Too many people simply give up on themselves. A bit of attention could very well mean a one hundred point improvement in your credit score and a whole new outlook on life. Don’t doubt. Speak to a credit repair professional.
Knowledge is Power
Whatever your situation in life you will always be better off truly knowing the facts as well as your options. Everyday is an opportunity to turn your situation around. Pick up the phone. Call your Florida mortgage broker or a credit repair expert. Ask questions. Almost every reputable financial professional offers a free consultation. Take advantage. Learn something new everyday. You will, without fail, discover that you have infinitely more control over your future than you thought. Invest some time in your own life. That investment will pay amazing dividends.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Credit Repair: Renew Your Life
Decide on Success
You have the power to shape your own future. Where do you want to go? What do you want to achieve? What would you like your life to look like one year from now? Or five years from now? If you really decide on success there is nothing that can stop you from achieving your goals.
Write Down Your Goals
One of the most powerful secrets of success is a clear written statement of your personal goals. Writing down your goals will solidify them in your mind. As your goals become part of your daily awareness you will naturally begin to make productive decisions that will lead you towards success. This is the power of the sub-conscious. Take some time everyday to consider the direction that you want your life to take and you will find yourself moving in that direction. When considering your personal goals you should think about every aspect of your life; financial, business, health and fitness, and personal relationships. You will be amazed at the results. The more specific you can be in picturing your goals, the more information you give your sub-conscious to work with.
The Power of Good Credit
Your credit report can have a profound effect on your financial freedom. Whatever your personal goals are, chances are good that your credit report will determine the availability and quality of the financing that can contribute to your success. Don’t worry about credit issues of the past. Start from where you are. I guarantee that with the right effort you can have the type of credit that you deserve. Credit repair may be the perfect first step in preparing yourself for a successful future.
Your Credit is a Tool
It is natural as you move towards your goals in life that you feel the need to make yourself as effective and efficient as possible. Your credit report should be as good as it can possibly be. Your credit is a tool that can give you the access and respect that you need in order to achieve your dreams. If you make an informed and focused credit repair effort there will be nothing that can stop you from having the kind of credit report that you want.
The Secret of Credit Repair
Credit repair, to be truly successful, requires a complete understanding of everything that contributes towards your credit scores. It also requires a patient and thorough look at every single bit of data on each of your reports. The most effective credit repair professionals will treat every line on your report with equal attention. You would do yourself a grave disservice by looking only at the derogatory items.
The Power of Specialization
It is true that you can do your own credit repair. It is also true that you can make your own clothes. I have been helping people with credit repair since 1989. I think that the analogy is reasonable. It takes a lot of experience to make a decent looking outfit. I’m sure that if I were to attempt to make my own clothes that the result would be pretty sad looking. Besides, I have other things to do with my time. Did you know that our entire economy is built on the benefits of specialization? Personally, I care enough about my appearance to let an expert make my clothes for me. How important is your credit to you? Do you want to learn the entire credit repair trade from the ground up? What is the best use of your time?
A New Energy
Credit repair can be an important ingredient in moving your life to the next level. You will experience a new found confidence that comes from knowing that your life is in order and you are moving in the right direction. That feeling of empowerment will contribute greatly to your ability to achieve all of your goals. There is nothing like the energy that you will experience when you know that you are moving in the right direction.
Keep Up the Momentum
Review your goals everyday. Don’t let a day go by without considering the direction that you have chosen for your life. Think about what you really want and you will discover that all of the tools and ideas that you need for success will come to you. Pay attention to those inspired ideas and take action on them. Soon you will discover that everything that you have visualized for yourself has materialized. Are you ready? Take that first step right now and nothing can stop you.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
You have the power to shape your own future. Where do you want to go? What do you want to achieve? What would you like your life to look like one year from now? Or five years from now? If you really decide on success there is nothing that can stop you from achieving your goals.
Write Down Your Goals
One of the most powerful secrets of success is a clear written statement of your personal goals. Writing down your goals will solidify them in your mind. As your goals become part of your daily awareness you will naturally begin to make productive decisions that will lead you towards success. This is the power of the sub-conscious. Take some time everyday to consider the direction that you want your life to take and you will find yourself moving in that direction. When considering your personal goals you should think about every aspect of your life; financial, business, health and fitness, and personal relationships. You will be amazed at the results. The more specific you can be in picturing your goals, the more information you give your sub-conscious to work with.
The Power of Good Credit
Your credit report can have a profound effect on your financial freedom. Whatever your personal goals are, chances are good that your credit report will determine the availability and quality of the financing that can contribute to your success. Don’t worry about credit issues of the past. Start from where you are. I guarantee that with the right effort you can have the type of credit that you deserve. Credit repair may be the perfect first step in preparing yourself for a successful future.
Your Credit is a Tool
It is natural as you move towards your goals in life that you feel the need to make yourself as effective and efficient as possible. Your credit report should be as good as it can possibly be. Your credit is a tool that can give you the access and respect that you need in order to achieve your dreams. If you make an informed and focused credit repair effort there will be nothing that can stop you from having the kind of credit report that you want.
The Secret of Credit Repair
Credit repair, to be truly successful, requires a complete understanding of everything that contributes towards your credit scores. It also requires a patient and thorough look at every single bit of data on each of your reports. The most effective credit repair professionals will treat every line on your report with equal attention. You would do yourself a grave disservice by looking only at the derogatory items.
The Power of Specialization
It is true that you can do your own credit repair. It is also true that you can make your own clothes. I have been helping people with credit repair since 1989. I think that the analogy is reasonable. It takes a lot of experience to make a decent looking outfit. I’m sure that if I were to attempt to make my own clothes that the result would be pretty sad looking. Besides, I have other things to do with my time. Did you know that our entire economy is built on the benefits of specialization? Personally, I care enough about my appearance to let an expert make my clothes for me. How important is your credit to you? Do you want to learn the entire credit repair trade from the ground up? What is the best use of your time?
A New Energy
Credit repair can be an important ingredient in moving your life to the next level. You will experience a new found confidence that comes from knowing that your life is in order and you are moving in the right direction. That feeling of empowerment will contribute greatly to your ability to achieve all of your goals. There is nothing like the energy that you will experience when you know that you are moving in the right direction.
Keep Up the Momentum
Review your goals everyday. Don’t let a day go by without considering the direction that you have chosen for your life. Think about what you really want and you will discover that all of the tools and ideas that you need for success will come to you. Pay attention to those inspired ideas and take action on them. Soon you will discover that everything that you have visualized for yourself has materialized. Are you ready? Take that first step right now and nothing can stop you.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Florida Mortgage: Just Another Cycle
Do you remember the NASDAQ stock market boom of the late 1990s? In March of 2000 NASDAQ hit its high of 5100. Stock market investors were thriving. Hundreds of thousands of people across America had quit their jobs to become day-traders. Many more had invested their savings and were celebrating the dream of certain wealth. By March of 2000 the mania had infected everyone from buttoned down Wall-Streeters to young Americans buying stocks for the first time.
But there were concerns. The Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan, popularized the phrase, “irrational exuberance” in a speech in 1996, asking, “How do we know when irrational exuberance has duly escalated asset values, which then become subject to unexpected and prolonged contractions as they have in Japan over the past decade?” His phrase would be echoed over the next several years, often angering investors who clearly wanted to keep the NASDAQ gold rush alive.
Within thirty-six months of its peak, NASDAQ had shed three-quarters of its value wiping out innumerable stock portfolios in its wake. Many of the victims could afford a little pain, but many of those that saw their savings evaporate would experience the meltdown as an irrecoverable setback. At the time of this writing NASDAQ has fought its way back to 2700, still nearly fifty percent down from its high of over seven years ago.
There are many parallels between the high flying high-tech stock market of the 1990s and the Florida real-estate rollercoaster ride of recent years. From 1990 until 2000 there was a reasonably steady near-ten-percent annual rise in Florida real estate values. By 2001 price appreciation was in the double digits. By 2003 Florida mortgage brokers, like myself, could barley keep up with the activity. All of our Florida mortgage clients seemed to be talking about getting rich in real estate.
In Mid-2005 Alan Greenspan, expressing concern about the U.S. Housing market said that, “at a minimum, there’s a little froth in the housing market, and it’s hard not to see that there are a lot of local bubbles.” The media picked up on the phrase, and before long we were all hearing about the real estate bubble. The local bubbles in the Florida market were most obvious in areas like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and the Port St. Lucie area, but other Florida mortgage brokers that I speak with were expressing concern about the fading affordability of home prices in all areas of the state.
In June of 2004 the Federal Reserve concerned about lurking inflation tapped the brakes with the first of seventeen quarter-point interest rate hikes. In December of 2006 even the most die hard real estate optimists were facing reality. The Florida real estate market had shifted from overdrive into reverse. As it stands today sellers are struggling. And in spite of continued low Florida mortgage interest rates, buyers are affected by the gloom and are hesitant to jump in. And of course, many of the potential buyers are sidelined sellers waiting to be liberated from their current home.
I’m not really a contrarian, but I’m thinking that the pessimism that we are observing in Florida is a clear signal that we are near the bottom. In my observation the moment that all indicators point one direction we are about to go the other way. I think back to the final days of the NASDAQ mania. I remember feeling a bit ill one day after a particularly young and innocent mortgage customer asked me to check my computer for the price of the dot-com stocks in his IRA. The ship had sailed, everyone was on board and I could smell the iceberg.
As a Florida mortgage broker I speak to people all day long about real estate. Recently I’ve noticed that many of the long time optimists have given up. You know the old saying about it being darkest before the dawn? I say that the sun is on the way. My intuition may be a bit questionable, but there is some common sense at work here as well. The markets are driven by psychology. Prices are always highest at the peak of demand – and high demand always sustains an inflated sense of value. Prices are lowest when demand is the least – and when demand is down sellers lose their belief in value. By the time that everyone is perceiving value in Florida real estate again the prices will be far less accommodating. Time will tell…
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
But there were concerns. The Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan, popularized the phrase, “irrational exuberance” in a speech in 1996, asking, “How do we know when irrational exuberance has duly escalated asset values, which then become subject to unexpected and prolonged contractions as they have in Japan over the past decade?” His phrase would be echoed over the next several years, often angering investors who clearly wanted to keep the NASDAQ gold rush alive.
Within thirty-six months of its peak, NASDAQ had shed three-quarters of its value wiping out innumerable stock portfolios in its wake. Many of the victims could afford a little pain, but many of those that saw their savings evaporate would experience the meltdown as an irrecoverable setback. At the time of this writing NASDAQ has fought its way back to 2700, still nearly fifty percent down from its high of over seven years ago.
There are many parallels between the high flying high-tech stock market of the 1990s and the Florida real-estate rollercoaster ride of recent years. From 1990 until 2000 there was a reasonably steady near-ten-percent annual rise in Florida real estate values. By 2001 price appreciation was in the double digits. By 2003 Florida mortgage brokers, like myself, could barley keep up with the activity. All of our Florida mortgage clients seemed to be talking about getting rich in real estate.
In Mid-2005 Alan Greenspan, expressing concern about the U.S. Housing market said that, “at a minimum, there’s a little froth in the housing market, and it’s hard not to see that there are a lot of local bubbles.” The media picked up on the phrase, and before long we were all hearing about the real estate bubble. The local bubbles in the Florida market were most obvious in areas like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and the Port St. Lucie area, but other Florida mortgage brokers that I speak with were expressing concern about the fading affordability of home prices in all areas of the state.
In June of 2004 the Federal Reserve concerned about lurking inflation tapped the brakes with the first of seventeen quarter-point interest rate hikes. In December of 2006 even the most die hard real estate optimists were facing reality. The Florida real estate market had shifted from overdrive into reverse. As it stands today sellers are struggling. And in spite of continued low Florida mortgage interest rates, buyers are affected by the gloom and are hesitant to jump in. And of course, many of the potential buyers are sidelined sellers waiting to be liberated from their current home.
I’m not really a contrarian, but I’m thinking that the pessimism that we are observing in Florida is a clear signal that we are near the bottom. In my observation the moment that all indicators point one direction we are about to go the other way. I think back to the final days of the NASDAQ mania. I remember feeling a bit ill one day after a particularly young and innocent mortgage customer asked me to check my computer for the price of the dot-com stocks in his IRA. The ship had sailed, everyone was on board and I could smell the iceberg.
As a Florida mortgage broker I speak to people all day long about real estate. Recently I’ve noticed that many of the long time optimists have given up. You know the old saying about it being darkest before the dawn? I say that the sun is on the way. My intuition may be a bit questionable, but there is some common sense at work here as well. The markets are driven by psychology. Prices are always highest at the peak of demand – and high demand always sustains an inflated sense of value. Prices are lowest when demand is the least – and when demand is down sellers lose their belief in value. By the time that everyone is perceiving value in Florida real estate again the prices will be far less accommodating. Time will tell…
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Credit Repair: Act Now
There is a Lot at Stake
Are you a sub-prime borrower? Chances are that you have had credit issues in the past. There are many reasons for you to make credit repair an immediate priority in your life. There are also many reasons that you might hesitate. Credit reports are not fun to read. Past credit issues are not fun to think about. But there is a lot at stake. Consider hiring a credit repair professional to help you through the process. You can regain control over your own life.
Sub-Prime Financing an Overview
Sub-prime mortgage financing has gotten a bit of a bad rap recently as home values have moderated and borrowers have been unable to escape the inevitable rate increase that is built into the vast majority of sub-prime mortgages. There has been a fair amount of financial hardship blamed on the sub-prime mortgage industry. But there is more to the sub-prime market than meets the eye.
The Benefits
Did you know that over 20 percent of all mortgages originated from 2004 through 2006 were sub-prime mortgages? The sub-prime mortgage industry was developed to accommodate the enormous number of Americans that, due largely to bad credit, could not qualify for traditional home financing. Home ownership is a legitimate and valuable financial goal. And sub-prime financing made it possible for an amazing number of Americans to own homes.
Reality Sets In
Are you facing an interest rate increase? It is true that the sub-prime market has largely evaporated. But there is still hope. Forget the mortgage market and turn your attention to yourself. It’s time to become very proactive about your own credit report. And it is absolutely essential that you act immediately. Please don’t neglect this advice. I am well aware that a large number of people with credit issues feel completely helpless. The thought of consulting a credit repair professional may seem pointless. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Credit Repair Can Save Your Life
I have provided credit repair services to people for a very long time. I speak from experience. Almost without exception people are amazed at the impact that a competent credit repair professional can have on their credit scores, the content of their credit report, and on their ability to completely transform their financial life. When I say that credit repair can save your life I am totally serious. It can also save your house. It can save you tens of thousands of dollars. It can bring you confidence and the long lost knowledge that you have control over your own life.
It’s Your Life
I know that you do not want to be dependant on the availability of sub-prime financing. It is time to take action. The first step is to consult a credit repair professional. You might be surprised to hear that your past credit problems are probably not the sole, or for that matter, the largest factor in your low credit scores. There are a terrible number of errors ranging from subtle misreporting to obvious redundancy that plague consumers and damage their credit scores. The first step in an effective credit repair program is to identify every single one of these issues and eliminate them. But there is more.
Credit Score & Credit Content
Real credit repair requires an intimate knowledge of the impact that every item on your report can have on your credit score. A credit repair professional will make sure that everything that can be done to improve your scores is being done correctly. You cannot afford to ignore anything. The impact of a competent and complete credit repair effort is amazing. Innumerable people start credit repair programs with a skeptical attitude and end up as true believers.
You Have the Power
You have the power to transform your own life. Please don’t believe that because you have made late payments in the past that you are destined to live a life of financial gloom. If you take action to repair your credit you will discover a whole new world of possibilities. Just put one foot in front of the other. Seek the advice of a credit repair professional. When the time comes to refinance your mortgage you will discover that you have more choice than you ever thought. You can make it happen.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Are you a sub-prime borrower? Chances are that you have had credit issues in the past. There are many reasons for you to make credit repair an immediate priority in your life. There are also many reasons that you might hesitate. Credit reports are not fun to read. Past credit issues are not fun to think about. But there is a lot at stake. Consider hiring a credit repair professional to help you through the process. You can regain control over your own life.
Sub-Prime Financing an Overview
Sub-prime mortgage financing has gotten a bit of a bad rap recently as home values have moderated and borrowers have been unable to escape the inevitable rate increase that is built into the vast majority of sub-prime mortgages. There has been a fair amount of financial hardship blamed on the sub-prime mortgage industry. But there is more to the sub-prime market than meets the eye.
The Benefits
Did you know that over 20 percent of all mortgages originated from 2004 through 2006 were sub-prime mortgages? The sub-prime mortgage industry was developed to accommodate the enormous number of Americans that, due largely to bad credit, could not qualify for traditional home financing. Home ownership is a legitimate and valuable financial goal. And sub-prime financing made it possible for an amazing number of Americans to own homes.
Reality Sets In
Are you facing an interest rate increase? It is true that the sub-prime market has largely evaporated. But there is still hope. Forget the mortgage market and turn your attention to yourself. It’s time to become very proactive about your own credit report. And it is absolutely essential that you act immediately. Please don’t neglect this advice. I am well aware that a large number of people with credit issues feel completely helpless. The thought of consulting a credit repair professional may seem pointless. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Credit Repair Can Save Your Life
I have provided credit repair services to people for a very long time. I speak from experience. Almost without exception people are amazed at the impact that a competent credit repair professional can have on their credit scores, the content of their credit report, and on their ability to completely transform their financial life. When I say that credit repair can save your life I am totally serious. It can also save your house. It can save you tens of thousands of dollars. It can bring you confidence and the long lost knowledge that you have control over your own life.
It’s Your Life
I know that you do not want to be dependant on the availability of sub-prime financing. It is time to take action. The first step is to consult a credit repair professional. You might be surprised to hear that your past credit problems are probably not the sole, or for that matter, the largest factor in your low credit scores. There are a terrible number of errors ranging from subtle misreporting to obvious redundancy that plague consumers and damage their credit scores. The first step in an effective credit repair program is to identify every single one of these issues and eliminate them. But there is more.
Credit Score & Credit Content
Real credit repair requires an intimate knowledge of the impact that every item on your report can have on your credit score. A credit repair professional will make sure that everything that can be done to improve your scores is being done correctly. You cannot afford to ignore anything. The impact of a competent and complete credit repair effort is amazing. Innumerable people start credit repair programs with a skeptical attitude and end up as true believers.
You Have the Power
You have the power to transform your own life. Please don’t believe that because you have made late payments in the past that you are destined to live a life of financial gloom. If you take action to repair your credit you will discover a whole new world of possibilities. Just put one foot in front of the other. Seek the advice of a credit repair professional. When the time comes to refinance your mortgage you will discover that you have more choice than you ever thought. You can make it happen.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Credit Repair the Whole Story
The Real Problem with Disputes
Credit bureau disputes are the essential backbone of every successful credit repair program. And almost without exception it is necessary to start the process with these disputes. But if your efforts are confined only to disputing your issues with the credit bureaus you are virtually guaranteed to be disappointed.
Hitting the Credit Repair Wall
If you send a dispute letter to the credit bureaus you will receive a response back within thirty days or so. You might be excited to see that some of the problem items have been removed. You are also likely to see that some of the items that you have questioned have been verified. This can be frustrating. What is the next step? You might think that a second dispute is in order, and you may be right. Or you may be wrong. Read carefully. Has the credit bureau asked you to address all future inquiries to the original creditor? If so you may discover that additional credit bureau disputes produce no results.
Moving On
Many consumers in search of professional credit repair services will find an ample supply of credit repair companies offering a basic low cost program that consists entirely of credit bureau disputes. What happens to this consumer when the credit bureaus ask you to direct future inquiries to the original creditor? There are two possibilities.
The End of the Road
If you sign up for a credit repair program that only offers credit bureau disputes there is almost zero likelihood that you will end up as a satisfied customer. After the first round of disputes you may get few additional results. Or, if the company that you have chosen does offer additional levels of service you will probably find it necessary to upgrade to a more expensive version of the program in order to get the results that you desire. The truth is that the dispute only version of the program should never have been offered.
An Honest Approach
Remember that I started by saying that credit bureau disputes are the essential backbone of every successful credit repair program. It is so. In fact, it’s absolutely logical to start your dispute process with the credit bureaus. But to stop there would be like putting your socks on and then imagining that you are fully dressed. A truly effective credit repair program will seamlessly move from credit bureau disputes to creditors as a natural part of the process. Collection agencies can be challenged as needed in the same way.
The Educated Consumer
Credit Repair can and will produce fantastic results if done in a competent and comprehensive manner. Would you go to dinner at a restaurant that only cooks the food half way? Would you hire an auto mechanic that takes your engine apart but doesn’t quite put it back together again? Of course not! Make sure that your credit repair company will complete the job that you hired them for.
A Smooth Process
It is our opinion that a credit repair program should be inclusive of every step that is necessary to produce the final desired result. And the credit repair professional should be armed with every tool needed to do the job. We believe that the process should be offered as a unified whole. Our customers hire us for the most important reasons in the world. Their goals are inseparable from the quality of their financial life. We believe that credit should be taken seriously.
Beyond the Dispute
A comprehensive dispute process encompassing the credit bureaus, creditors, and even collection agencies is essential for success. But it is also equally imperative that these activities occur in the context of a complete understanding of both the credit scoring model and the way creditors view credit in making a decision. I cannot emphasize this enough! A good credit repair company always has their customer’s goals in mind. You do not want to complete a credit repair program and discover that your scores have suffered or that you don’t meet lenders criteria for credit content. When selecting a credit repair company make sure that they have the universal perspective that will produce the real results that you want. It turns out that the details can make all of the difference in the world.
Copyright © 2007 Power Mortgage Corp. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Credit bureau disputes are the essential backbone of every successful credit repair program. And almost without exception it is necessary to start the process with these disputes. But if your efforts are confined only to disputing your issues with the credit bureaus you are virtually guaranteed to be disappointed.
Hitting the Credit Repair Wall
If you send a dispute letter to the credit bureaus you will receive a response back within thirty days or so. You might be excited to see that some of the problem items have been removed. You are also likely to see that some of the items that you have questioned have been verified. This can be frustrating. What is the next step? You might think that a second dispute is in order, and you may be right. Or you may be wrong. Read carefully. Has the credit bureau asked you to address all future inquiries to the original creditor? If so you may discover that additional credit bureau disputes produce no results.
Moving On
Many consumers in search of professional credit repair services will find an ample supply of credit repair companies offering a basic low cost program that consists entirely of credit bureau disputes. What happens to this consumer when the credit bureaus ask you to direct future inquiries to the original creditor? There are two possibilities.
The End of the Road
If you sign up for a credit repair program that only offers credit bureau disputes there is almost zero likelihood that you will end up as a satisfied customer. After the first round of disputes you may get few additional results. Or, if the company that you have chosen does offer additional levels of service you will probably find it necessary to upgrade to a more expensive version of the program in order to get the results that you desire. The truth is that the dispute only version of the program should never have been offered.
An Honest Approach
Remember that I started by saying that credit bureau disputes are the essential backbone of every successful credit repair program. It is so. In fact, it’s absolutely logical to start your dispute process with the credit bureaus. But to stop there would be like putting your socks on and then imagining that you are fully dressed. A truly effective credit repair program will seamlessly move from credit bureau disputes to creditors as a natural part of the process. Collection agencies can be challenged as needed in the same way.
The Educated Consumer
Credit Repair can and will produce fantastic results if done in a competent and comprehensive manner. Would you go to dinner at a restaurant that only cooks the food half way? Would you hire an auto mechanic that takes your engine apart but doesn’t quite put it back together again? Of course not! Make sure that your credit repair company will complete the job that you hired them for.
A Smooth Process
It is our opinion that a credit repair program should be inclusive of every step that is necessary to produce the final desired result. And the credit repair professional should be armed with every tool needed to do the job. We believe that the process should be offered as a unified whole. Our customers hire us for the most important reasons in the world. Their goals are inseparable from the quality of their financial life. We believe that credit should be taken seriously.
Beyond the Dispute
A comprehensive dispute process encompassing the credit bureaus, creditors, and even collection agencies is essential for success. But it is also equally imperative that these activities occur in the context of a complete understanding of both the credit scoring model and the way creditors view credit in making a decision. I cannot emphasize this enough! A good credit repair company always has their customer’s goals in mind. You do not want to complete a credit repair program and discover that your scores have suffered or that you don’t meet lenders criteria for credit content. When selecting a credit repair company make sure that they have the universal perspective that will produce the real results that you want. It turns out that the details can make all of the difference in the world.
Copyright © 2007 Power Mortgage Corp. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Awesome Benefits of Credit Repair
What Do You Want From Life?
Do you own a home? Do you have the security of a savings account? Can you afford to set aside a percentage of your take-home pay for investment? Everything that you do in life is connected to your credit report. There is nothing that can have as significant an impact on your life, and ultimately on your financial freedom. It’s worth taking a close look.
The Interest Rate Connection
Most people that embark on a program of credit repair have a single and valuable short term goal in mind. The most common goal is home ownership. In many cases consumers with credit issues simply can’t qualify for mortgage financing. These individuals would like to improve their credit scores enough to obtain mortgage approval. There are also a large number of people in credit repair programs that currently own homes but due to credit issues received expensive sub-prime financing. They would like to improve their credit scores enough to refinance into a better mortgage and reduce their payments.
Building Personal Wealth
Both of these goals are valid. Historically home ownership has been the foundation of almost all personal wealth. Home ownership is also likely to be the largest financial obligation that you will have in your life. And the quality of your credit will determine the size of the monthly payment associated with home ownership. The importance of this connection is enormous.
Home Ownership Costs and Benefits
Homeowners with sub-prime mortgage financing typically pay a premium of up to two percent on their mortgage rate. This interest premium on a typical $200,000 mortgage amounts to $333 per month, or $4,000 per year. In addition, sub prime borrowers are usually limited to some form of adjustable rate financing that often results in additional premium costs to them over time. There are many benefits to home ownership that may outweigh these extra costs. But there are also actions that you can take to eliminate the extra costs and the looming adjustable rate adjustments as soon as possible.
Credit Repair Works
Don’t underestimate the power of credit repair. You would do yourself a horrible disservice by ignoring the potential improvement in your credit report that can result from an informed review of the content of your credit and a systematic program of repair. Dealing with the credit bureaus can be challenging, but if you take some time you can learn how to do this yourself, or you can hire a reputable credit repair company.
Enormous Benefits
What is credit repair worth to you? The case above is pretty typical. An improvement in your credit score may very well save you in excess of $333 per month. What would this do for your life? If you were to deposit that $333 each month into a money-market account earning 5%, in ten years your account would have grown to $51,000. In twenty years this same account would have a balance of $136,000. Not a bad return on your credit repair efforts.
The Tip of the Iceberg
If instead of investing your monthly savings in a money-market account you were to apply that $333 each month to the principle balance on your new mortgage, assuming an interest rate of 6% you will pay off your mortgage in seventeen years instead of thirty. Would you enjoy being mortgage free? What if I were to tell you that your mortgage is just the tip of the iceberg? Do you want to know the real benefit of great credit? Consider every single thing that your credit will affect. Think about your auto loans, credit cards, personal loans, and equity lines. The math is staggering.
Take Action
It’s up to you. Make sure that your credit is every bit as good as it can possibly be. Don’t let anything stand in the way of taking action. You can undertake a program of credit repair on your own. Or you can check out a couple of good credit repair companies. Speak to them on the phone. Ask questions. They should have many years of experience in dealing with the credit bureaus and be experts in the field of credit scoring. There is so much to gain. Be proactive.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Do you own a home? Do you have the security of a savings account? Can you afford to set aside a percentage of your take-home pay for investment? Everything that you do in life is connected to your credit report. There is nothing that can have as significant an impact on your life, and ultimately on your financial freedom. It’s worth taking a close look.
The Interest Rate Connection
Most people that embark on a program of credit repair have a single and valuable short term goal in mind. The most common goal is home ownership. In many cases consumers with credit issues simply can’t qualify for mortgage financing. These individuals would like to improve their credit scores enough to obtain mortgage approval. There are also a large number of people in credit repair programs that currently own homes but due to credit issues received expensive sub-prime financing. They would like to improve their credit scores enough to refinance into a better mortgage and reduce their payments.
Building Personal Wealth
Both of these goals are valid. Historically home ownership has been the foundation of almost all personal wealth. Home ownership is also likely to be the largest financial obligation that you will have in your life. And the quality of your credit will determine the size of the monthly payment associated with home ownership. The importance of this connection is enormous.
Home Ownership Costs and Benefits
Homeowners with sub-prime mortgage financing typically pay a premium of up to two percent on their mortgage rate. This interest premium on a typical $200,000 mortgage amounts to $333 per month, or $4,000 per year. In addition, sub prime borrowers are usually limited to some form of adjustable rate financing that often results in additional premium costs to them over time. There are many benefits to home ownership that may outweigh these extra costs. But there are also actions that you can take to eliminate the extra costs and the looming adjustable rate adjustments as soon as possible.
Credit Repair Works
Don’t underestimate the power of credit repair. You would do yourself a horrible disservice by ignoring the potential improvement in your credit report that can result from an informed review of the content of your credit and a systematic program of repair. Dealing with the credit bureaus can be challenging, but if you take some time you can learn how to do this yourself, or you can hire a reputable credit repair company.
Enormous Benefits
What is credit repair worth to you? The case above is pretty typical. An improvement in your credit score may very well save you in excess of $333 per month. What would this do for your life? If you were to deposit that $333 each month into a money-market account earning 5%, in ten years your account would have grown to $51,000. In twenty years this same account would have a balance of $136,000. Not a bad return on your credit repair efforts.
The Tip of the Iceberg
If instead of investing your monthly savings in a money-market account you were to apply that $333 each month to the principle balance on your new mortgage, assuming an interest rate of 6% you will pay off your mortgage in seventeen years instead of thirty. Would you enjoy being mortgage free? What if I were to tell you that your mortgage is just the tip of the iceberg? Do you want to know the real benefit of great credit? Consider every single thing that your credit will affect. Think about your auto loans, credit cards, personal loans, and equity lines. The math is staggering.
Take Action
It’s up to you. Make sure that your credit is every bit as good as it can possibly be. Don’t let anything stand in the way of taking action. You can undertake a program of credit repair on your own. Or you can check out a couple of good credit repair companies. Speak to them on the phone. Ask questions. They should have many years of experience in dealing with the credit bureaus and be experts in the field of credit scoring. There is so much to gain. Be proactive.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Credit Repair and the American Dream
A Great Investment
Home ownership has always been considered an integral part of the American Dream. Over the last fifty years those that were able to realize this dream have experienced a great financial benefit. Home ownership, in fact, has contributed more to the wealth of the individual than any other investment. But there is another side to home ownership; it is also the most significant financial obligation that most people will ever undertake. If managed properly home ownership can be a source of great pleasure. If mismanaged, the results can be devastating.
Better Rate More Choice
I have helped people repair and restore their credit reports since 1989. The most common concern amongst our customers has always been the impact that their credit report will have on the mortgage application process. The relationship between your credit and your mortgage is simple; the better your credit, the lower your interest rate and the more choice you will have among mortgage programs.
The Potential of Credit Repair
If you have had credit issues in the past it is essential to your financial life that you have a very clear understanding of how credit repair can help get you back on solid financial ground again. To understand the potential of credit repair there is a myth that needs to be dispelled. This myth is that you are the only one who can repair your own credit. This is a line that was originally promulgated by the credit bureaus and is now parroted by others.
Can You Do it Yourself?
The motivation of the credit bureaus to sell the do-it-yourself campaign was obvious to those of us in the credit repair business. The credit bureaus are well aware of the fact that the vast majority of individuals that undertake the effort to repair their own credit do not have the time or tenacity to understand the system. And without a proper understanding most people will quit out of frustration, or give up believing that they have done everything that can be done. Either way, the credit bureaus will save time and money.
The Role of the Credit Repair Professional
All professions provide the benefit of a mastery of their own field. Although it is certainly true that you could repair your own credit, it is equally true that you could make your own clothes or repair your own car. The economy thrives on the diversity of expertise that is offered in the marketplace. Those that do not have the time or energy to do the extensive research needed to do a job properly can hire someone else to do the work for them. A credit repair professional offers the benefit of his experience in dealing with the three credit bureaus, creditors, and collection agencies. He should also have an in depth understanding of everything that can have an impact on your credit score.
Improving Your Credit Scores
Would you like to purchase a home or refinance to a lower interest rate? The mortgage that you are able to obtain will be entirely dependant on the content of your credit report. As a credit repair professional I speak to people daily who have been told that they either cannot qualify for a mortgage due to their credit, or only qualify for a very expensive sub-prime mortgage. In our examination of their credit reports we often discover that there are a significant number of errors that are depressing their credit scores dramatically.
Putting Your Credit to Work for You
Much of the misreported information that appears on credit reports goes unrecognized. Items such as duplicate accounts, understated high credit limits, and misstated account opening dates are often ignored because they are not derogatory per se. These items along with the obvious erroneous derogatory information can all be cleaned up. And the results can make the difference between an affordable mortgage and a stressful monthly payment.
Choose Carefully
The American Dream is achievable and it depends on your credit. If you have the time and inclination to learn credit repair yourself you should make the effort. If you do not feel up to the task you should hire someone to get the job done for you. And, in making the decision you should remember the potential impact that your credit can have on your life. You work hard for your money. Make sure that your credit works just as hard for you.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Home ownership has always been considered an integral part of the American Dream. Over the last fifty years those that were able to realize this dream have experienced a great financial benefit. Home ownership, in fact, has contributed more to the wealth of the individual than any other investment. But there is another side to home ownership; it is also the most significant financial obligation that most people will ever undertake. If managed properly home ownership can be a source of great pleasure. If mismanaged, the results can be devastating.
Better Rate More Choice
I have helped people repair and restore their credit reports since 1989. The most common concern amongst our customers has always been the impact that their credit report will have on the mortgage application process. The relationship between your credit and your mortgage is simple; the better your credit, the lower your interest rate and the more choice you will have among mortgage programs.
The Potential of Credit Repair
If you have had credit issues in the past it is essential to your financial life that you have a very clear understanding of how credit repair can help get you back on solid financial ground again. To understand the potential of credit repair there is a myth that needs to be dispelled. This myth is that you are the only one who can repair your own credit. This is a line that was originally promulgated by the credit bureaus and is now parroted by others.
Can You Do it Yourself?
The motivation of the credit bureaus to sell the do-it-yourself campaign was obvious to those of us in the credit repair business. The credit bureaus are well aware of the fact that the vast majority of individuals that undertake the effort to repair their own credit do not have the time or tenacity to understand the system. And without a proper understanding most people will quit out of frustration, or give up believing that they have done everything that can be done. Either way, the credit bureaus will save time and money.
The Role of the Credit Repair Professional
All professions provide the benefit of a mastery of their own field. Although it is certainly true that you could repair your own credit, it is equally true that you could make your own clothes or repair your own car. The economy thrives on the diversity of expertise that is offered in the marketplace. Those that do not have the time or energy to do the extensive research needed to do a job properly can hire someone else to do the work for them. A credit repair professional offers the benefit of his experience in dealing with the three credit bureaus, creditors, and collection agencies. He should also have an in depth understanding of everything that can have an impact on your credit score.
Improving Your Credit Scores
Would you like to purchase a home or refinance to a lower interest rate? The mortgage that you are able to obtain will be entirely dependant on the content of your credit report. As a credit repair professional I speak to people daily who have been told that they either cannot qualify for a mortgage due to their credit, or only qualify for a very expensive sub-prime mortgage. In our examination of their credit reports we often discover that there are a significant number of errors that are depressing their credit scores dramatically.
Putting Your Credit to Work for You
Much of the misreported information that appears on credit reports goes unrecognized. Items such as duplicate accounts, understated high credit limits, and misstated account opening dates are often ignored because they are not derogatory per se. These items along with the obvious erroneous derogatory information can all be cleaned up. And the results can make the difference between an affordable mortgage and a stressful monthly payment.
Choose Carefully
The American Dream is achievable and it depends on your credit. If you have the time and inclination to learn credit repair yourself you should make the effort. If you do not feel up to the task you should hire someone to get the job done for you. And, in making the decision you should remember the potential impact that your credit can have on your life. You work hard for your money. Make sure that your credit works just as hard for you.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Credit Repair: Overcoming Fear
Overcoming Avoidance
There is nothing funny about credit repair fear. Well, maybe it would be humorous if the side effect were not so potentially devastating. Do you know anyone who can’t seem to get themselves to the dentist? Years slip by. Eventually they make their appearance at the dentist office holding their head and moaning with the pain of a toothache. Millions of consumers have the same relationship with their credit reports.
Everything Counts
I wince at the sound of the dentist drill. I understand. But there are some things that need to be taken care of. If you wait until there is a serious problem before taking action you may discover that the price of inaction is well beyond your means. Your credit report affects everything in your life. A regular course of maintenance is in order. Did you know that over 70% of all credit reports contain errors? Did you know that even innocuous looking errors like account opening dates can have a major impact on your credit?
The Ripple Effect
In a recent blog entry I wrote, “You should not overlook the myriad items that are determined by your credit scores. Your automobile loan payment, like your mortgage payment, ripples through your lifestyle by limiting other purchase choices that you make. Credit cards, personal loans, debt consolidation loans, home equity loans; all count.”
It all Adds Up
This ripple effect should not be underestimated. A positive swing of fifty points in your credit score can translate into thousands of extra dollars in your pocket each year. Every single dollar of savings is a dollar that is available for other things that you would like to do with your life. The right decisions about maintaining your credit report can easily send you on a Caribbean vacation, pay for your night classes, send your children to a better school, or maybe just get you that new big screen television that you want.
The First Easy Step
So, given the importance of your credit, it would make sense to find a way to steel your nerves for the job of a comprehensive review of all three of your credit reports. Let’s take the first step. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in response to the frightening number of errors that continue to appear on consumer’s credit reports forced all three credit bureaus to provide a free copy of your report each year. Take advantage of this law. Go to annualcreditreport.com and get all three reports. Once you have your reports you are on your way. Don’t think too far ahead. There are a couple of handy tricks that will make the job easy, even for those with a paralyzing fear of paperwork.
Organization is the Key
The key to getting through the job of credit repair is organization. Don’t bother trying to deal with all three reports at one time. Sit down with one report. Get a nice clean legal size pad and a pen. Don’t jump ahead to the derogatory section. Start at the top and work your way down line by line. Check every thing. Account opening dates, high credit limits, duplicate accounts, current balances; all are important.
One Report at a Time
Each time you find something that is wrong make a note on your pad. Each report comes with dispute instructions. Follow the instructions and dispute every item that you noted. I suggest that you leave the other two reports for another day. There are no economies of scale to assaulting all three reports at one time. Each bureau needs to be attacked individually.
Less is More
Take your time and address each dispute as clearly as you can. It should be helpful to know that the credit bureaus do not want to hear the story of your life. They also do not want to hear any explanations. Just say what you need to say. Be neat. If you take your time the experience should be painless and you should get very satisfactory results.
It’s Your Life
If you simply can’t make your way though the job you should hire a good credit repair company to do the job for you. Credit repair should be very affordable and should never lock you in for any pre-determined period of time. Your credit is very important. You work hard for your money. Make sure that your credit report is working just as hard for you.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
There is nothing funny about credit repair fear. Well, maybe it would be humorous if the side effect were not so potentially devastating. Do you know anyone who can’t seem to get themselves to the dentist? Years slip by. Eventually they make their appearance at the dentist office holding their head and moaning with the pain of a toothache. Millions of consumers have the same relationship with their credit reports.
Everything Counts
I wince at the sound of the dentist drill. I understand. But there are some things that need to be taken care of. If you wait until there is a serious problem before taking action you may discover that the price of inaction is well beyond your means. Your credit report affects everything in your life. A regular course of maintenance is in order. Did you know that over 70% of all credit reports contain errors? Did you know that even innocuous looking errors like account opening dates can have a major impact on your credit?
The Ripple Effect
In a recent blog entry I wrote, “You should not overlook the myriad items that are determined by your credit scores. Your automobile loan payment, like your mortgage payment, ripples through your lifestyle by limiting other purchase choices that you make. Credit cards, personal loans, debt consolidation loans, home equity loans; all count.”
It all Adds Up
This ripple effect should not be underestimated. A positive swing of fifty points in your credit score can translate into thousands of extra dollars in your pocket each year. Every single dollar of savings is a dollar that is available for other things that you would like to do with your life. The right decisions about maintaining your credit report can easily send you on a Caribbean vacation, pay for your night classes, send your children to a better school, or maybe just get you that new big screen television that you want.
The First Easy Step
So, given the importance of your credit, it would make sense to find a way to steel your nerves for the job of a comprehensive review of all three of your credit reports. Let’s take the first step. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in response to the frightening number of errors that continue to appear on consumer’s credit reports forced all three credit bureaus to provide a free copy of your report each year. Take advantage of this law. Go to annualcreditreport.com and get all three reports. Once you have your reports you are on your way. Don’t think too far ahead. There are a couple of handy tricks that will make the job easy, even for those with a paralyzing fear of paperwork.
Organization is the Key
The key to getting through the job of credit repair is organization. Don’t bother trying to deal with all three reports at one time. Sit down with one report. Get a nice clean legal size pad and a pen. Don’t jump ahead to the derogatory section. Start at the top and work your way down line by line. Check every thing. Account opening dates, high credit limits, duplicate accounts, current balances; all are important.
One Report at a Time
Each time you find something that is wrong make a note on your pad. Each report comes with dispute instructions. Follow the instructions and dispute every item that you noted. I suggest that you leave the other two reports for another day. There are no economies of scale to assaulting all three reports at one time. Each bureau needs to be attacked individually.
Less is More
Take your time and address each dispute as clearly as you can. It should be helpful to know that the credit bureaus do not want to hear the story of your life. They also do not want to hear any explanations. Just say what you need to say. Be neat. If you take your time the experience should be painless and you should get very satisfactory results.
It’s Your Life
If you simply can’t make your way though the job you should hire a good credit repair company to do the job for you. Credit repair should be very affordable and should never lock you in for any pre-determined period of time. Your credit is very important. You work hard for your money. Make sure that your credit report is working just as hard for you.
Copyright © 2007 James W. Kemish. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
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