Monitor Your Credit Score For Free With CreditKarma

    Are you tired of jumping in and out of credit bureau hoops online to figure out and even monitor your credit score? You are not alone, especially if you are in the process of securing financing to purchase a home or even invest in real esate. Let's face it, credit scores are really important today after the housing market crash. It may be a buyer's market everywhere, but the key to a mortgage will be based on our credit score.

Although, you are allowed to obtain a free credit report from each of the big three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, each one will charge you a separate fee for your score. I highly recommend annualcreditreport.com as a quick and secure way to to get your free credit report. However, the reports are scoreless because the major credit agencies were not required by law to give you your score for free. You have to wonder why or you can write your elected officials who created this loophole.

I am finished with paying the credit bureaus for access to my score. I have discovered another option to review, monitor and track my credit score online. The service is provided by creditkarma.com. It is gaining some interest in the industry and I suggest it to all my customers and clients. The company lets you check your score for free. You do not get to see your credit report, only your score. I recommend using both sites in tandem: one to obtain your report history and the other to monitor your score. Yes, you do have to tell them who you are so they can verify your name, address and social security number. I am comfortable with the security system they have in place to protect me from identity theft. By the way, checking your credit score on a monthly basis does not negatively impact your credit score or your credit. It will educate you about the impact of your debt and spending habits on your ability to borrow when you are ready to enter the housing market. 

Regardless of whether you use any of these two free sites, when it comes to borrowing money, your credit report and credit score will make the difference. Before you spend endless hours searching for real estate online or going to open houses, know your score. 

Do you love Santa Fe? Are you thinking about relocating here? Are you wondering if the Santa Fe housing market has stabilized? Check out this link for Santa Fe home prices and updates for trends in your neighborhood. If you are on Twitter, follow me there for real estate tips or visit www.BreakingSantaFeNews.com for the latest news and experience Santa Fe in real time.