Like dentists, credit repair has a negative reputation that most people dislike dealing with. Unfortunately, opening a credit repair business doesn't require much but a heartbeat and persuasive skills, leading to an abundance of credit repair companies available. They are as common as McDonald's, with one on every corner. After running one of the nation's largest credit repair companies for 15 years, I understand the scrutiny the industry receives and most of it holds.
Bad credit is becoming an epidemic, and with the number of credit repair companies increasing, consumers must perform their due diligence to avoid exploitation. As a credit repair business owner, I've had the opportunity to offer my services to over 20,000 individuals, changing their lives. As a way to give back, I want to provide transparency and clarity on how the industry operates, and provide you with the necessary tools to make the best decision when hiring a credit repair company.
Table of Contents
How to Find the Best Credit Repair Company in Overland Park
Different Types of Credit Repair Companies in Overland Park
The Credit Repair Process in Overland Park
Credit Repair is just one part of the solution
Free Credit Repair in Overland Park
Key Advice on Credit Repair
How to Find the Best Credit Repair Company in Overland Park
If you're searching for the best credit repair company in Overland Park, it's important to do your research and not just go for the first one you find. Although online reviews can be helpful, they can also be unreliable. Instead, follow these steps to help you find the right company to work with:
Make a list
Conduct a quick Google search and identify companies in your area that have a good or acceptable Google review rating and are located near your home.
Check their reputation
Only list companies with a good online presence and reputation that have been around for at least three years. Use websites like https://archive.org/web/ to check when their website was first established. Make sure the reviews are legitimate and accurate.
Make the call
After narrowing down your list, call the companies to get more information. Ask about their experience, licensing and bonding, physical office, free consultation, money-back guarantee, fee structure, and average processing time.
By following these steps, you'll be able to find the most effective and least expensive company in Overland Park to help you with credit repair.
Different Types of Credit Repair Companies in Overland Park
With over a million active credit repair and financial service companies in the United States, it is difficult to select the right one. Although this vast selection provides the opportunity to be selective, it also creates confusion in identifying experienced and non-experienced companies. The following are the three types of credit repair companies available:
Flat Fee Companies
Only 5% of companies follow this model, which is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get results. These companies only charge for the accounts they dispute and require a one-time fee for their services. Flat fee services work faster, benefiting from the company's incentive to complete services quickly. Before determining the price quote based on the accounts, the company will look over your credit reports and then do a consultation. It is a popular structure for companies catering to mortgage lenders, and it allows clients to obtain pre-approval without delay.
Monthly Fee Companies
Although most credit repair companies base their charges on a monthly fee structure, it is not the most efficient model. The disadvantage of this model is that most companies do not review your credit report to determine whether they can assist you. Monthly-fee companies have no motivation to fix your credit rapidly, as they earn from your monthly accounts. Additionally, only reviewing a few disputes at a time can make it difficult for clients with multiple negative issues.
Pay for Delete
A less popular structure, it is an enticing alternative to others. It is a fee structure where you pay only for results, creating pressure on companies for optimal performance. Pay for Delete companies can be expensive, as they charge a lot for each item removed. The setup fee is non-refundable, and companies can charge per item removed from your credit report. Therefore, reviewing the fee structure and learning about the fee per account is important before making your choice.
It is recommended to choose a flat fee company in Overland Park; however, it is important to perform your research before making any decisions.
The Credit Repair Process in Overland Park
When it comes to credit repair, there is a lot of information out there, but not all of it is good advice. With years of experience in the industry, it's clear to me that the credit repair process is continually evolving, and keeping up with it can be a challenge. Credit reporting agencies are always looking to outsmart consumers and prevent effective dispute processes. That's why we at [company name] stay up-to-date with all the changes to provide our clients with the best results.
Let's discuss the credit repair process. Many people found success with disputing negative and derogatory accounts using a process called "not mine disputes." However, this process led to turmoil because the accounts would often reappear later. The credit reporting agencies responded by implementing more refined processes that made it harder for people to get results through the dispute process. Today, new and unique dispute tactics are necessary to get items corrected or deleted from your credit report effectively.
So, what is the new, effective credit repair process? First, it's your legal right to contest the validity of any account on your credit report. Request that the creditor or collection agency provide proof that the account is valid and yours. Then, determine if there is an error and use any proof you have to request that the error be fixed or removed.
If you're unsure about what account documentation to ask for, call a non-customer to ask what documents are required to authorize a new loan. Alternatively, you can do a quick Google search to find further information. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog on this topic.
Credit Repair is just one part of the solution
Your personal finances are the driving force behind your credit scores. Therefore, improving your personal finances will have a positive effect on your credit score. Credit repair can help you fix derogatory accounts on your credit report, but it is not a comprehensive solution. To achieve sustainable credit, you need to get your personal finances in order and make them a priority. Credit strength should not suffer even during economic downturns or the loss of a job. Before investing in credit repair, pay down any revolving credit balances, pay all your accounts on time, and minimize credit card usage. While you need to stop using credit cards as much as possible, it is advisable to keep a small balance to avoid account closure. Fixing personal finances is the foundation for credit sustainability. You can avoid the vicious cycle of endless credit repair by taking financial deficits seriously. Seeking credit repair before sorting out your finances results in the need for repeat credit repair, which is not recommended. While you can work on both credit and finances simultaneously, focusing on finances is key to fixing credit once and for all.
Free Credit Repair in Overland Park
Frequently, people ask, “Is it possible to fix my credit without spending any money?†The straightforward answer is yes; you can repair your credit for the cost of paper and a postage stamp by performing the services yourself. On my various blogs, I have provided step-by-step instructions on how to fix your credit like a professional. However, anything that is free typically comes with a significant cost regarding “time.†While you have the legal right to contest your credit report at any moment, most individuals don't want to do the work or just don't have the time. I recommend hiring a professional credit repair firm to handle the task if you don't want to repair your credit. But if you are willing to dedicate 2-4 hours each month to disputing your credit report for free, visit my blog post titled “Repair your credit like the pros.â€
Provide your feedback
Initially, I offered free credit repair software to random individuals when I entered the credit repair sector in exchange for a testimonial or review. When I started repairing credit back in the early 2000s, I didn't have any reviews or testimonials, so I would repair clients' credit for free in return for a testimonial or review; this cost me money to send out their disputes, but the value I got from the review was many times higher than the cost of performing credit repair. My point is that many novice credit repair companies are willing to do the same thing I once did. I suggest searching for "Credit Repair" Facebook groups, joining them, and posting something like this:
“Looking to get my credit concerns dealt with by a new credit repair business owner and offer an extremely detailed 5-star review in exchange.â€
You may encounter some detractors, but persuading someone to repair your credit for free should be simple.
Key Advice on Credit Repair
To find a reliable credit repair firm for a permanent solution, thorough research is crucial. Reach out to multiple companies to avoid wasting time and money. Remember, personal finances play a significant role in credit issues. Some mistakenly blame credit repair for their problems, but it actually works and has helped thousands of clients. Take control of your finances as the first step towards long-lasting credit repair. Stay positive and don't lose hope; success is possible.