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Credit Repair Companies That Hurt, Not Help

By
Mortgage and Lending with Equity Resources NMLS 67179 Licensed in NC

Fix Your CreditWe talked to a Veteran today who wants to buy a house, First Time Home Buyer, who was referred to a “Credit Repair Company” a couple of years ago (a well known, National Law firm)… they, of course, disputed EVERYTHING on his credit report.  They also suggested that he obtain a Secured Credit Card (which he did) and maintain a balance roughly equal to half of the credit line (which he did).  His scores went up – and he called us about getting pre-qualified to buy a house.

We ran him through Freddie Mac’s Automated Underwriting System (LP) and it was referred (meaning it was not approved) – Because everything is in dispute.

This is not the first, second or third time that we’ve seen someone turned down by the Automated Underwriting System – because everything on their credit report (except the one open trade line with the Credit Card Company) is in dispute!

Below is the Automated Underwriting Findings.  From the image,  you can see from the bottom “comment” that the borrower also has “Insufficient Tradelines” – but that TOP comment basically says, “HEY!  This person is trying to Scam the system by disputing everything!”  We seriously told the borrower that they may have to go back and “un-dispute” a few items in order to get approved…

Don't dispute all credit

Plus they need some more credit.  We know that in order to get approved,  in most cases, you will need at LEAST 2 credit cards open with Available Credit on each one.  If you have a score that is at that “almost” point of being eligible for a mortgage, we OFTEN tell folks to pay the debt down to 1/2 of the high credit limit – or pay it down to like $50.

Those companies that are advertising all over Johnston County right now with signs that say – “Make Bad Credit Disappear for $199″ are really not doing you any favors.

Are there legitimate reasons to reasons for disputing credit? YES!  But don’t get caught in a trap by just disputing EVERYTHING!

If you have questions about pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan in North Carolina- please call us!  Steve and Eleanor Thorne 919 649 5058.  We know how to get borrowers in NC approved, we know what credit scores and reports the Underwriters will take.  We’ll call you back, and if you need to add another credit card, or pay something off – we’ll work with you.  

Originally Posted at NCFHAExpert

Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Thanks for sharing this credit information.  Did not know they could hurt more than help.

May 21, 2012 12:59 AM
Jean Hanley
Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA
Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

Oh my gosh.....I run into people every day who tell me their horror stories about this same thing.  These credit repair agencies are not all that and a cupcake.  Some are credible, but common sense will tell you, do it yourself.  Seems like sitting down, asking each of the three credit reporting agencies for your FREE yearly credit report, and then going line by line and working on them would be more sensible to me, and cheaper.

May 21, 2012 01:02 AM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

El, great info!  It's just plain SAD how some companies take advantage of those that are really in need of help.  Just another reason why I send everyone to you and Steve.  I know they won't get burned!

Pamela

May 21, 2012 01:06 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

Eleanor, I agree with you.  I had a client that paid $800 for a company to get a FC and BK off his credit report.  They were successful but it brought the transaction to a halt when the court records were searched.

May 21, 2012 12:48 PM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Eleanor, if it sounds too good to be true - it is. Wiping out credit problems for $199 - if it were that easy, wouldn't everyone be doing it?

Sharon

May 31, 2012 02:08 PM
Anonymous
Ware

This is exactly what I found happened to me when I applied for a loan too about 6 months back , I was denied of course .
I was deliberate to get my score change and my husband came back and said he found who can help with the credit score boost and we use that.
I cannot say enough good things about " itechhacks @ techie . com "
There are three types of people in business. Ones who deliberately take advantage of people, ones with good intentions but can't get the job done and ones that have good intentions and get results. The last type of people in this example are true professionals. Reliant Credit Repair is true professional! They take the time to explain how everything works, answer all your questions and get results. I went from a 580 to 746 in less than a month!

Thank you Itech Credit Repair.

Feb 28, 2018 01:56 PM
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