Similar to dentists, credit repair has a less-than-desirable reputation. Many individuals do not want anyone meddling with their credit, resulting in a disgruntled attitude toward credit repair companies. Unfortunately, starting a credit repair business does not require much more than the ability to persuade and a pulse – leading to an abundance of businesses popping up on every corner, much like McDonald’s. As an industry veteran of 15 years who operates one of the nation’s largest credit repair companies, I understand the negative perception surrounding our industry; although, I must admit that some of it is warranted.Regrettably, bad credit is becoming more common, and the increase in credit repair companies in the past year highlights the abundance of options available. As a consumer, it is important to do your due diligence to avoid being taken advantage of. Having served over 20,000 people and positively impacted their lives as a credit repair business owner, I aim to give back to the community by offering transparency and guidance on how our industry operates. My goal is to arm you with the necessary tools to make informed decisions when selecting a credit repair company.
Table of Contents
How to Find the Best Credit Repair Company in Springfield
Different Credit Repair Companies in Springfield: What's the Difference?
The Credit Repair Process in Springfield
The Importance of Personal Finances for Credit Sustainability
Free Credit Repair in Springfield
My Final Words of Advice
How to Find the Best Credit Repair Company in Springfield
When people approach me for the best credit repair company, I always suggest that they should conduct their own due diligence. You can rely on online reviews to some extent, but not completely. Instead of forcing them to choose my company, I encourage them to do more research. If people conduct thorough research, they will likely find my company as the best option. Based on my 15 years of experience, I have come up with a list of things that you need to do to find the perfect credit repair company in your area.
Make a List
Start with a quick Google search to find the credit repair companies in your area. Note down the companies that have acceptable ratings on Google reviews and are close to your house. Though it is not mandatory to choose a nearby company, it is always better to go for one that gives you a sense of reliability.
Check Reputation
Consider selecting companies that have a good online reputation. Since scam companies are also prevalent in the market, it is best to be cautious. Established companies usually have a website that has been available for at least three years. Go to https://archive.org/web/ to view their website history. Moreover, choose companies that have honest and legitimate reviews.
Make the Call
After scrutinizing a few credit repair companies, move on to the next important step: calling them. During business hours, most credit repair companies are usually occupied with work, but if they don't answer the phone, it could be a sign of their working pattern. Make a list of questions to ensure that you are getting the best possible service.
Questions to Ask:
A. How long have you been in business? Are you licensed and bonded? If yes, can I see a copy of your bond?B. Do you have a physical office where I can come in and meet you and your team?C. Do you offer a free consultation?D. Do you offer a money-back guarantee?E. What is your fee structure? Is it a flat fee, or is it a monthly charge?F. How long will the process take on average?
By conducting research and asking questions, you can make an informed decision to choose the best credit repair company for your needs.
Different Credit Repair Companies in Springfield: What's the Difference?
In Springfield alone, there are over a million active credit repair and financial service companies in the United States. With so many options available, it's difficult to differentiate between experienced and non-experienced companies. To gain clarity about credit repair, it's essential to understand the three types of credit repair companies mentioned below.
Flat Fee Companies
These companies operate by billing you for the accounts they dispute, and you pay a one-time fee for this service. Flat fee services are usually faster because they have a motive to get your work done quickly. If there are any negative accounts on your credit report, the credit repair company will do a consultation by looking over your credit reports to determine if they can help you and then quote you a price based on those accounts. This structure is preferred by many loan officers because it helps their clients get pre-approved timely.
Monthly Fee Companies
Most credit repair companies charge monthly fees. However, most companies that use this model don't ever look over your credit report, and this structure doesn't fit all clients. Additionally, the credit repair company is usually only disputing a few items at a time, which means if you have 10 negative accounts, it can take 6-8 months alone to get full results. Although you may be paying less out of pocket each month, the fees can add up over time, and this model can get very expensive.
Pay For Delete Companies
Fewer companies offer this model, but it offers an interesting and more enticing way to pay for credit repair. You only pay for results which puts pressure on the credit repair company to perform. However, most Pays for Delete companies hook you by saying that you only pay for results. But then, they charge you a lot for each item removed. If you choose this model, it's essential to ask the company directly about the fee structure.Overall, it's important to do your research and calculations before selecting any credit repair company. Although we recommend choosing a flat fee company, the ultimate decision is yours to make.
The Credit Repair Process in Springfield
When it comes to credit repair, there's a lot of advice out there, but much of it is outdated or simply ineffective. Having spent 15 years in the industry, I have found that the process is always changing and constantly evolving. Credit reporting agencies are always trying to outsmart consumers and limit their ability to dispute inaccurate information, which is why it's important to stay up-to-date with all the changes.Let's talk about the process that actually works. In 2015, many people found success disputing negative accounts using a process called "not mine disputes," which claimed that the accounts were not theirs. However, this process was quickly countered by the credit reporting agencies through more refined processes like e-OSCAR, which made it harder for people to get results. Today, using new and unique dispute tactics is crucial for getting items corrected or deleted from your credit report.So, what is the new, effective credit repair process? First, you have the legal right to contest the validity of any account on your credit report. Instead of just disputing errors, you should request that the data furnisher provides proof of the account's validity. If there is an error, you can use the documentation to request that the error be fixed or deleted.What kind of documentation should you ask for? This depends on the original loan authorized. If you're unsure what to request, call as a non-customer and ask what documents are required to authorize a new loan. I will be posting a blog on this topic soon, so stay tuned for more information. With these tactics, you can effectively navigate the credit repair process in Springfield and achieve the best results for your credit report.
The Importance of Personal Finances for Credit Sustainability
Good personal finances are essential for credit sustainability. When you have a handle on your finances, you are more likely to be able to repay your debts on time and in full. This will help you maintain a good credit score, which will make it easier to get loans and credit cards in the future.There are many things you can do to improve your personal finances. These include creating a budget, tracking your spending, paying down debt, and saving for emergencies. By taking these steps, you can improve your credit sustainability and set yourself up for financial success in the future.
Personal Finances Drive Credit Scores
It is essential to recognize that personal finances, and not credit repair services, drive personal credit scores. Just like the stock market fluctuates based on the financial situation of the companies, your credit scores fluctuate based on your personal financial situation.
Fix Your Personal Finances Before Seeking Credit Repair
It is crucial to fix your personal finances before investing in credit repair services. Pay down your revolving balances, pay accounts on time, and avoid using credit cards when not absolutely necessary. You need to control your finances first to have sustainable credit.
The Endless Cycle of Credit Repair
Credit repair is not a one-time solution, and clients become repeat offenders when they don't prioritize improving their financial situation. Pouring all their money into credit repair instead of paying down their balances before seeking credit repair services leads to an endless cycle of credit repair. Instead, focus on getting your finances in line so that the credit repair will be sustainable.
Free Credit Repair in Springfield
Many people wonder if it's possible to fix credit for free. The answer is yes, but it comes with a price in terms of time and effort. If you're willing to commit a few hours a month, you can dispute your credit report on your own. However, if you don't have the time or motivation to do it yourself, it's recommended to hire a professional credit repair company. If you're interested in giving it a try, you can check out our blog for tips on how to repair your credit like a pro.At the beginning of my career in the credit repair industry, I offered free credit repair to individuals in exchange for their testimonials or reviews. It helped me build my reputation, and it's something newer companies may still be willing to do. To find such an opportunity, join "Credit Repair" groups on Facebook and post a request for help in exchange for a detailed 5-star review. Although there might be some negativity, you'll eventually find someone who's willing to fix your credit for free.
My Final Words of Advice
If you're searching for a reputable credit repair company that can help you repair your credit, be sure to research. Although it is a time-consuming and expensive process, it is essential to ensure that you are not squandering your money or your time. However, you must also work on your personal finances since most people's financial mismanagement is the root cause of their problems. Many people who throw away their paychecks to fix their credit end up concluding that credit repair never worked or was a scheme when the real issue is that they had poor spending and saving habits that prevented them from maintaining their credit in excellent condition. I have seen credit repair work miracles for over 20,000 clients, and it all begins with you. You need to get your finances in order before credit repair can provide a rapid, simple, and practically everlasting solution. Remember, you can achieve this; don't lose faith!