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Credit Score Damage

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams - Broker Associate

I often get people asking me how much one late payment damages their credit score. My answer always has been "more than you can imagine". Well last November Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) released a summary of what they call their "damage point scenarios" and how much those scenarios will damage your credit score. I along with many others in the real estate, mortgage and credit restoration industry was amazed at the affects of these "damage point scenarios". Take a look at the chart below and get ready to take a deep breath.

Shocked? Me too. FICO also stated that a consumer might experience the following from credit grantors should their credit report contain one of the "damage point scenarios".

For a Consumer Who Started With a FICO Score of 780:

  • Following a 30-day late payment, the consumer's car loan rate would jump nearly 3 percent, costing the borrower $26 more each month.
  • Following a debt settlement, the consumer would pay as much as $109 more each month on a home mortgage.

For a Consumer Who Started With a FICO Score of 680:

  • Following a 30-day late payment, the consumer would pay $41 more each month for a car loan.
  • Following a 30-day late payment, the consumer would pay as much as $95 more each month on a home mortgage.
  • Following a debt settlement, the consumer would no longer qualify for a credit card.

Are you shocked again? I know I was. What to do? Get a copy of your credit report today and see where your credit score stands. Improve your score if it needs it. How? Pay your bills on time or if it is really bad consider a reputable credit restoration company. Credit restoration is legal and ethical. Remember credit grantors tell the credit bureaus collect all of the information you can about this person. They don't care if the information is right or wrong they just collect it.

Have a great day!!

Ron Wickes

Gary Swanson
Century 21 Harris & Taylor - Grants Pass, OR

Great information Ron.  People need to be aware how even one late payment can affect their credit score, especially if they have "good" credit.

Jan 26, 2010 04:20 AM
Stephen Arnold
HomeSmart Elite Group - Scottsdale, AZ
CRS, GRI, SFR

Great post Ron!  I love the fact that I can pick up so many wonderful bits of knowledge on AR!!  This graph means more today than it ever has in the current economic climate!

Jan 27, 2010 04:40 PM
Valerie Springer
Benchmark Mortgage nmls 2143 - Birmingham, AL
Home Loan Officer AL, FHA, VA, Conventional and Re

Great information Ron, credit doesn't follow common sense guidelines as most would believe.  Thank you for sharing.

Mar 23, 2010 07:44 AM
Valerie Springer
Benchmark Mortgage nmls 2143 - Birmingham, AL
Home Loan Officer AL, FHA, VA, Conventional and Re

Great information Ron, credit doesn't follow common sense guidelines as most would believe.  Thank you for sharing.

Mar 23, 2010 07:44 AM