The first step in the home-buying process is qualifying for financing. It is never too early to start this process! You should check your credit well ahead of time so you have time to clear up any “surprises” you may find. Every one is entitled to view their own credit report once a year for free. Since there are three credit reporting agencies, it is wise to pull one in January, another in May and the last one in September. This way, you can keep tabs on your credit and make sure your identitly has not been stolen. Two good websites for this are www.AnnualCreditReport.com and www.FreeCreditreport.com. They will try to sell you your credit scores and a credit monitoring service. You can opt to purchase these or just view your reports for free.
If you need advice about how to mitigate damaged credit, email Monty or call him at 619-922-1981
If you find a mistake in your credit report, contact the reporting agency directly, using the contact information below:
Experian
PO Box 9595
Allen TX 75013-9595
888-397-3742
Equifax
PO Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
800-685-1111
TransUnion
PO Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
800-888-4213
In order to protect your identity and reduce junk-mail, it is also a good idea to have your name removed from mailing lists. To do so, send a letter requesting your removal to the following entities:
Customer Service – American Express
777 American Express Way
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33337
800-297-8378
TransUnion LLC
Name Removal Option
PO Box 97328
Jackson, MS 39288
888-567-8688
Experian List Maintenace
901 West Bond
Lincoln, NE 68521
800-228-4571 x 4633
TRW Target Marketing
Attn: Opt-Out Service Division
701 TRW Parkway
Allen, TX 75002
800-353-0809
Direct Marketing Assn.
Mail Preference Service
PO Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735
212-768-7277
Equifax
Opt-Out Program
Consumer Services
26955 Northwestern Highway
Southfield, MI 48034
800-873-7655