The field of credit repair is often viewed unfavorably, much like the profession of dentistry. Many individuals are hesitant to entrust their credit to others and may find the process cumbersome. Unfortunately, due to lax regulations, anyone with basic persuasion skills can start a credit repair company, causing an oversaturation in the market. Similar to fast food chains, credit repair companies have become a common sight on every corner.With over 15 years of experience as a credit repair company owner, I understand the skepticism surrounding the industry. The prevalence of misinformation and scams can make it difficult for consumers to trust credit repair companies. Bad credit affects a vast number of individuals, and the situation is only worsening. In light of these circumstances, it's essential for consumers to conduct research before choosing a credit repair company.In my role as a business owner, I've helped over 20,000 clients transform their credit situations, which motivates me to give back to the community. I want to offer transparency and clarity regarding the workings of the credit repair industry. By sharing my knowledge, I hope to empower individuals to make informed decisions when selecting a credit repair company.
Table of Contents
How to Find the Best Credit Repair Company in Oklahoma City?
Choosing Between Credit Repair Companies in Oklahoma City
The Credit Repair Process in Oklahoma City
Credit Repair is Only Part of the Puzzle
Free Credit Repair in Oklahoma City
Advice for Credit Repair
How to Find the Best Credit Repair Company in Oklahoma City?
Finding the best credit repair company requires thorough research and analysis on your part. Online reviews are not always genuine. Therefore, it's essential to do your due diligence and make a list of reputable credit repair companies in your area. Here are a few steps you can follow:
1. Make a List: Do a Google search and create a list of credit repair companies in Oklahoma City with good Google review ratings that are near you.
2. Reputation: Check their online presence and reputation at https://archive.org/web/. A trustworthy credit repair company will have a website that's been online for at least three years. Scan through their reviews to ensure they are legitimate and accurate.
3. Make the Call: After narrowing down your list, call them and ask the following questions:
a. How long have you been in business? Are you unlicensed and bonded? b. Do you have a physical office? c. Do you offer a free consultation? d. Do you offer a money-back guarantee? e. What's your fee structure like? f. How long does the average process take?
These questions will help you analyze the companies better. Remember, persuasion is not an effective tool, but research is the key to finding the best and affordable credit repair company.
Choosing Between Credit Repair Companies in Oklahoma City
With over 1 million financial service and credit repair companies in the US, it can be challenging to find the right one. Although having a vast selection can be an advantage, it also makes it harder to differentiate between experienced and non-experienced companies. Here are the three types of credit repair companies to help you make a more informed decision:
Flat fee companies
This type of company bills you for only the accounts they dispute. As most flat fee services aim to complete your services as early as possible, this model allows for the fastest results while saving you the most money. They typically do a consultation of your credit reports to determine if they can help and quote a price based on those accounts. This structure is best for clients intending to get pre-approved as soon as possible.
Monthly fee companies
Most credit repair companies charge a monthly fee, which can take 6-8 months to show full results, making them a bad option for clients who want a quicker solution. They dispute only a few items at a time, and the longer you are on the program, the more fees they collect from you, making it relatively more expensive in the long run.
Pay for Delete
This structure is more appealing and costs less because you pay only for the results. As most companies set up a non-refundable fee and charge a different fee per item removed, the fees accumulate quickly, making the process expensive. Therefore, ensure you understand the fee structure to avoid getting overcharged.
In conclusion, a flat fee company is recommended, but take time to research and evaluate each to find one that suits your needs and budget.
The Credit Repair Process in Oklahoma City
When it comes to credit repair, there is a lot of advice out there, but much of it is outdated or not very helpful. The process is constantly changing, and it can be challenging to keep up with the regulations and law changes that impact how it works. Despite this, credit repair is not overly complicated. However, credit reporting agencies often make it difficult for consumers to use effective dispute processes by implementing procedures that limit their control. To ensure that we provide the best results to our clients in Oklahoma City, we stay up-to-date with all the latest changes.
Let's Talk About the Process
In 2015, disputing all negative and derogatory accounts using "not mine disputes" was a popular method for achieving immediate results. However, many people soon experienced disappointment when these same accounts reappeared a few months later. To combat frivolous disputes, credit reporting agencies implemented more refined processes, including e-OSCAR. Today, it's important to use new and unique dispute tactics to get items corrected or deleted from your credit report.
The New, Effective Credit Repair Process
While the process for contesting the validity of any account on your credit report has been around for a long time, most people don't use it effectively. Rather than disputing only errors, you can request that the data furnisher validate the account and provide proof that the account is yours and valid. Depending on the original loan, you can ask for original signed documents or payment ledgers showing all transactions. If there is an error, you can use your proof to request that it be fixed or deleted.
What Account Documentation should I ask for?
If you're unsure about what documents to request, call as a non-customer and ask what documents are required to authorize a new loan. You can also do a quick Google search for more information. Stay tuned for a blog post that lists all of the documents you can request.
Credit Repair is Only Part of the Puzzle
When it comes to personal credit, your credit score fundamentally revolves around your financial stability. Therefore, it is not surprising that millions of people in America are plagued with credit problems. The fluctuations in credit scores can be compared to the stock market, as it is heavily dependent on your personal financial situation. That being said, credit repair should not be considered as a magic solution but rather as one of the many tools that are available for improving a poor credit rating. While it is essential to remedy derogatory accounts, there is more to credit repair than meets the eye.
Getting your Personal Finances Right
Although anyone can repair their credit score, the question that arises is whether they can sustain a good one. Unfortunately, most people are unable to do so due to their lack of control over their finances. If you are unable to prioritize your personal financial health, then your credit score will always be in a perpetual state of fluctuation. Rather than investing in credit repair, it's better to pay off revolving credit balances, ensure timely payments, and reduce credit card usage. Nonetheless, keeping an active credit card with a minimal balance can prevent account closure. Fixing your financial issues is the key to sustaining a good credit score.
The Endless Credit Repair Cycle
One of the most common problems surrounding credit repair is the endless cycle of repeat offenders. Many clients tend to return for credit repair services only a few months after receiving help. This vicious cycle occurs because they do not address the root problem of their finances instead of prioritizing credit repair. It is crucial to focus on organizing your finances and paying off your balances before seeking credit repair. Though it is possible to work on both your finances and credit simultaneously, it's not always viable for most people. In conclusion, it is essential to stabilize your finances, as it is the primary solution for a long-term fix to your credit score.
Free Credit Repair in Oklahoma City
Many people ask if there's a way to repair their credit for free, and it is possible if you're willing to put in the time and effort. You have the legal right to dispute your credit report anytime, but most people either don't know how to do it or don't have the time. However, if you're committed to spending 2-4 hours a month to dispute your report, check out our blog post on how to 'Repair your credit like the pros.' Alternatively, if you don't have the time or the willingness to learn, we recommend hiring a professional credit repair company for help.As a veteran of credit repair, we used to offer free credit repair to people in exchange for testimonials or reviews in the early 2000s. We used this strategy to build our business and reputation. Newer credit repair companies also offer the same incentives, and you can find them by joining credit repair Facebook groups. Post a simple message requesting assistance in exchange for a 5-star review, and you'll likely get a few responses. Though you may receive some negative comments, you should have no problem finding free credit repair services.
Advice for Credit Repair
1. Do thorough research before selecting a credit repair company to permanently improve your credit score. This may require contacting multiple companies and conducting extensive research, but it is crucial to avoid wasting time and money.
2. Work on your personal finances, as this is the root cause of most credit issues. Many individuals mistakenly believe that throwing money at credit repair services will solve their problems, only to realize that poor spending and saving habits are the real culprit.
3. Credit repair is effective, as evidenced by the positive impact it has had on over 20,000 of my client's lives. However, it is important to take responsibility for your own financial situation and get your finances under control to experience lasting success.
4. Don't lose hope! With dedication and effort, credit repair can become a quick, easy, and ultimately permanent solution.