The world of credit repair can be difficult to navigate. Unfortunately, it's a field that has garnered a less-than-stellar reputation, similar to the way many people feel about going to the dentist. However, the issue is that practically anyone can open up a credit repair company, and as a result, there seems to be one on every corner - like a McDonald's.
Having been in the credit repair industry for over a decade and running one of the largest credit repair companies in the US, I understand the skepticism that many people have towards our industry. The truth is, there is some validity to much of the criticism. Poor credit has become a widespread problem that is only getting worse.
With so many credit repair companies popping up over the past year, it's crucial for consumers to practice due diligence and ensure they don't fall prey to unscrupulous businesses looking to take advantage of them.
As a business owner who has helped over 20,000 people fix their credit, I know firsthand how much of a difference it can make in someone's life. In an effort to give back, I want to provide clear information about how credit repair companies work and provide you with the knowledge necessary to make the best decision when choosing one.
Table of Contents
How to Select the Best Credit Repair Firm in Savannah
Comparing Credit Repair Companies in Savannah, Georgia
The Credit Repair Process in Savannah
Credit Sustainability Requires a Focus on Personal Finances
Free Credit Repair in Savannah
Need Some Advice? Credit Repair Works, But Here's What You Need To Know
How to Select the Best Credit Repair Firm in Savannah
When it comes to credit repair, the decision to choose the best company shouldn't be taken lightly. Online reviews provide a useful starting point, but they don't always tell the full story. Instead, it's crucial to conduct thorough research to determine which company is the most reliable, secure, and trustworthy. Satisfied clients have consistently praised our services in Savannah due to our dedication to effective and ethical credit repair practices.
To ensure that you pick the right company for you, follow these steps:
1. Compile a list of credit repair companies in your area through a Google search. Look for companies with excellent or acceptable Google reviews that are close to your home. Consider narrowing down your search to local companies for added peace of mind.
2.Research the online reputation of each company. It’s important to only compile a list of firms with a good online presence and reputation. Established companies should have an online presence spanning at least three years. Ensure that you read adequate reviews to determine whether they're legitimate or not.
3.Make the call. After researching and compiling your list, it's time to contact the firms. Look for companies that are accessible and have a reputation for excellent customer service. Consider asking the following questions:
-How long have you been in business? Are you licensed and bonded?
-Can we schedule a meeting at your office?
-Do you provide a free consultation?
-Is there a money-back guarantee?
-What is your fee schedule?
-How long does the credit repair process take on average?
All of these questions will provide the necessary preliminary information to make a well-informed decision. Finally, an effective and affordable credit repair company should not only be able to assist clients in the short-term but also provide a long-term solution to maintaining positive credit.
Comparing Credit Repair Companies in Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has over 1 million financial service and credit repair companies, making it difficult to distinguish between experienced and non-experienced companies. To help you better understand how credit repair works, we will explain the three different types of credit repair companies you will find.
Flat fee companies
This type of financial service company is the best way to get the fastest results and save the most money in the process. Only about 5% of companies operate like this. Typically, flat fee services are faster because the credit repair company only bills for the accounts they dispute, and you pay a one-time fee for this service. They usually do a consultation by looking over your credit report to determine if they can help you, then quote you a price based on those accounts.
Monthly fee companies
Most companies charge monthly fees, but many never look over your credit report before charging you. This model doesn't fit all clients because the longer you remain on the program, the longer they get to collect fees. Also, they usually only dispute a few items at a time, which means it can take 6-8 months to get full results. It may cost less each month, but the fees add up over time and become expensive.
Pay for Delete
Fewer companies offer this model, but it puts pressure on the credit repair company to perform. You pay only for results, which is appealing, but most people do not know what they are getting into until it's too late. The way most "Pay for Delete" companies work is that they hook you by saying that you only pay for results, but then they charge you a lot for each item removed.
Therefore, we recommend doing research and calculations on your own before deciding on the best credit repair company in Savannah, Georgia.
The Credit Repair Process in Savannah
When it comes to credit repair in Savannah, there are a lot of opinions out there. Unfortunately, much of the advice is outdated or simply not helpful. As an experienced industry professional, I know firsthand that the process is always changing, sometimes due to law changes or new regulations. While credit repair may seem straightforward, it's important to understand that credit reporting agencies are always adapting and creating new roadblocks to effective dispute resolution. At our company, we stay on top of these changes so that we can provide the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Let's take a closer look at the process. Several years ago, many people experienced success with "not mine disputes," in which they challenged negative accounts that they claimed didn't belong to them. While this approach initially led to short-term gains, users soon found that the disputed items would reappear months later. Today, credit reporting agencies have developed sophisticated systems for weeding out frivolous dispute letters and ensuring that all disputed items undergo a secondary investigation process. This means that unless you have a unique and effective approach, you may struggle to get the results you need.
So, what is the best approach to credit repair? First and foremost, it's important to understand that you have a legal right to contest any account on your credit report. This means you can ask for proof that an account is not only yours but also valid. Rather than relying solely on disputing errors, you should ask the data furnisher to provide proof of the account, such as original documents or payment ledgers. By identifying errors and submitting relevant proof, you can increase your chances of getting items corrected or deleted from your credit report.
If you're unsure of what documentation to ask for, you can call the creditor or collection agency and inquire about what is required to authorize a new loan. Additionally, there are many resources available online to help guide you through the process. As a part of our commitment to supporting our clients, we will be posting a blog soon with more detailed information on this topic.
Credit Sustainability Requires a Focus on Personal Finances
It is common knowledge that personal finances are what drives one's credit score. Achieving sustainable credit means having control over personal finances, which most people struggle to achieve. Credit repair is a tool that helps fix credit issues, but it's not a permanent solution. It is crucial to prioritize personal finances before investing in credit repair to have control over credit scores regardless of any recession or job loss. Having sustainable credit is impossible if personal finances aren't in line. To improve credit scores, paying down revolving credit balances, paying all accounts on time, and avoiding credit card usage are essential. However, keeping a small balance of one to ten dollars on the credit card is necessary to avoid account closure. The best solution to credit sustainability is fixing financial deficits. It eliminates the need to invest all the money in credit repair, which creates an endless cycle that halts credit sustainability. Clients must get serious about their finances to avoid repeating the credit repair cycle and achieve long-term credit health.
Free Credit Repair in Savannah
Credit repair can be done for free, albeit at the cost of time and effort, by performing the services yourself. You have the right to dispute your credit report at any time, but most people either lack the time or are unwilling to do the work. Alternatively, paying a professional credit repair company can solve the problem. However, for those who are willing to invest 2-4 hours per month in disputing the credit report, my blog post, "Repair your credit like the pros," can be useful.
Leave a Testimonial or Review
As I established myself in the credit repair business, I would offer free credit repair to random individuals in exchange for a review or testimonial. A lot of credit repair companies would be willing to do the same. To find one, it is advisable to join Credit Repair Facebook groups and post a brief message similar to this one:
“I’m seeking a newbie credit repair business owner who would be willing to help me with some credit issues in exchange for a detailed 5-star review.â€
While some people may leave negative remarks, most individuals will be willing to perform the services at no cost.
Need Some Advice? Credit Repair Works, But Here's What You Need To Know
It is highly recommended that you conduct thorough research before selecting a credit repair company that can assist you in repairing your credit score permanently. While this may require extensive research and contact with various credit repair companies, it is crucial to avoid wasting your money and time. Moreover, you need to work on managing your personal finances, which is the root cause of most credit problems. Many individuals complain about the scam of credit repair, but the problem lies in their poor spending and saving habits, which hinder their ability to maintain good credit standing. From my experience, credit repair truly works, and it has transformed the lives of over twenty thousand clients. However, it all starts with you; you must manage your finances well before credit repair becomes an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, don't lose hope; take control of your finances today!