A credit score is more than just a number (although an 850 sure does sound nice).
Your financial scorecard will influence financial decisions made by banks that are in play when you make significant purchases, such as big-ticket items or a home.
Lower interest rates and higher credit limits put consumers in the driver’s seat when they are ready to make big purchases. It’ll also allow them to better plan for tomorrow’s financial scenarios.
Whether you’ve been thinking about making a move to a Roseville neighborhood, or you already love where you live, an improved credit score will go a long way as it relates to your mortgage. Take a look at the following three keys that will help secure a brighter financial future.
View Your Credit Score
Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have access to free credit reports every 12 months from the well-known agencies.
Take advantage of this information to track your financial health. You may even have the ability to receive monthly alerts about your score through your credit card company. Make it a habit to check your score each time your bill is due.
Knowing where you are credit wise will help you plot where you want to be.
Keep an Eye Out for Errors
Now that you have access to your credit score information, watch out for any errors that can blemish your score.
Inaccurate reports that indicate you made late payments, for example, can hurt the score you’re working so hard to improve.
Once you request a dispute, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires reporting agencies to make the correction within 30 days.
These errors are unfortunate and costly, but can be quickly resolved by keeping up with your credit reports.
Repair Late Payments
No matter how late you are on a payment, make a concerted effort to repay what you owe.
Depending on the extent of the tardiness, the credit card company may provide some leeway and waive the associated late fees.
Debts that are transferred to a collection agency can be repaid in installment payments, or lump sum. Check with the agency to make payment arrangements and negotiate a lower rate.
Late payments can stay on credit reports for as long as seven years, so it’s important to get back on track as soon as possible. You can also be proactive by setting due date reminders and asking your credit company to rearrange due dates that work better with your schedule and budget.
Be sure to contact us to learn more about how to improve your credit score and for any questions about purchasing real estate in Roseville.