With the credit crunch making more difficult than ever to secure a mortgage, it’s never been more important to make sure that you maintain a good credit score. While it is certainly possible to repair your credit after running into trouble, the best thing to do is not to allow your credit score to be damaged in the first place. Regardless of if you have a long and well established credit history or have just gotten your first credit card, there are some things which you should know about keeping your credit in god shape and achieving credit restoration after a misstep.
Remember that 35% of your credit score has to do with your payment history. The last seven years of your credit history will be listed on your credit report; but it is the most recent two years which makes the biggest difference to creditors. The lateness of your payments also matters ? a payment which is 30 days late is an entirely different matter than one which is 90 days or more overdue; this will be seen as a seriously delinquent account. Always keep in mind that it’s easier to maintain your credit than it is to restore it.
Try to maintain various types of credit accounts in good standing. For example, have a credit card which has a low or no balance, an installment loan (a car loan, for instance) and if you can, a mortgage as well. When creditors see that you can effectively manage different types of credit, they are more likely to extend you credit.
Never apply for credit which you don’t really need. You can harm your credit score y opening too many accounts or making too many inquiries. When you open these unnecessary accounts, you’ll also be tempted to use them ? this can open a whole new can of worms. Avoid needing credit restoration by resisting the temptation to open accounts you don’t need.
Get a copy of your credit report and look over it to make sure that everything listed on your report is accurate. If a credit bureau can’t demonstrate that an account or debt on your report is actually yours, you can request that it be removed. Any small open debts on your report should simply be paid off. Any larger debts may need to be settled with the creditor.
If there are larger amounts, get in touch with the creditor and try to make a settlement with them. They will often take as much as half of the balance off if you are willing to work with them to repay the debt. While this settlement will still show on your credit report, it’s a lot better than having a debt on your report.
Even if you play by all the rules, things will happen ? you may still find your credit being damaged due to factors beyond your control. Don’t let it get you down. You can repair your credit; just remember that credit restoration can take time. If you keep your eyes on your goal, you will be able to repair your credit.
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