1)  Check your credit before speaking with a Lender.  You will not be penalized if you order or check your own credit.  You can order a FREE credit report from the 3 credit reporting agencies by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

2)  Clean up or dispute any items on your credit by contacting each credit bureau for each incorrect item.

3)  If you have no credit or no credit score, shop for a secured credit card by visiting   http://www.credit.com/products/credit_cards/secure.jsp.  (A secured credit card is when you deposit a predetermined amount with a bank or financial institution and use it like a credit card)  Use your new credit card sparely and never charge more than 35%. Anything above that will lower your credit score.  Also pay it on time each month.  You must make sure that your secured credit card company reports to all 3 credit bureaus.

For additional advice or tips, contact Sherida Studwood @ 443-757-3400 or visit me on the web at www.SheridaStudwood.com