Did you know that you are entitled to a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion?

Monitoring and reviewing your credit report regularly can help guard against identity theft and avoid errors that could making buying your next home challenging.

You can order your free credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. This is a website that is sponsored by the three major credit reporting companies to allow you easy access to your free annual credit reports. You may also request your free credit report by phone by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by mail by sending a completed request form to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

You may order your credit reports from each of the three credit reporting companies at one time, or space them out throughout the year to allow for periodic monitoring.

If you find errors or discrepancies on your credit report, you should report them in writing directly to the credit reporting company and include any documentation you may have to support your position. The credit reporting company with then investigate the dispute (usually within 30 days) and send you written notice of their findings along with an updated copy of your credit report for your review.

For more information regarding consumer credit reporting, and samples of dispute letters visit the Federal Trade Commission website.