Regrettably, credit repair has a similar reputation to that of dentists; nobody wants to deal with them, and they don't want anybody meddling with them. Sadly, anyone with a heartbeat and the power to persuade can operate a credit repair company, resulting in credit repair companies that are as common as McDonald's restaurants, one on every corner. Similar to most people, I have been in the credit repair industry for a significant amount of time, 15 years in fact. As a result, I comprehend the scrutiny that we, as an industry, come under, and a large portion of it is accurate.
The problem of bad credit is a pandemic, and it is steadily intensifying. The number of credit repair companies that have appeared in the preceding year alone exemplifies how many opportunities there are for credit repair. As a consumer, it is your responsibility to conduct extensive research to ensure that you are not taken advantage of.
As the owner of one of the biggest credit repair companies in the country, I have been fortunate enough to help over 20,000 people and positively impact their lives. As a gesture of goodwill, I want to offer honesty and clarity on how our industry operates and present you with the knowledge to assist you in making the best decision when hiring a credit repair business.
Table of Contents
How to Identify the Best Credit Repair Company in Wichita
Understanding the Different Credit Repair Companies in Wichita
The Credit Repair Process in Wichita, KS
Credit Repair is Not a Complete Fix for Credit Issues
Free Credit Repair in Wichita
Valuable Tips for Selecting a Credit Repair Company
How to Identify the Best Credit Repair Company in Wichita
When it comes to credit repair services, it's important that you do your own research to determine the best company to use. It can be tempting to simply choose the first company you find or one that a friend recommends, but taking the time to select the right one is crucial. Here are some steps you can take to help identify the best credit repair company in Wichita:
Make a List
Combine online searches with recommendations from friends or family to create a list of potential credit repair companies near you.
Reputation
It's important to ensure that any company on your list has a good online reputation and a website that has been online for at least three years. Check online reviews to make sure they are legitimate and accurate.
Make the Call
After narrowing down your list, call the remaining companies to ask questions that will help you determine the type of business you will be working with, including how long they've been in business, if they're licensed and bonded if they have a physical office, and if they offer a free consultation or money-back guarantee.
These steps will help you analyze and choose the most effective yet affordable credit repair company in Wichita.
Understanding the Different Credit Repair Companies in Wichita
In Wichita and the United States as a whole, there are countless credit repair and financial service firms, making it challenging to differentiate between experienced companies and non-experienced ones. It is crucial to understand the three types of credit repair companies available to help you make the best decision:
Flat Fee Companies
Simply put, this type of company offers the best, fastest, and most cost-effective results. Most of them charge clients based on the accounts they dispute for a one-time fee. Their fast turnaround time can be attributed to their need to complete your service quickly. When dealing with flat fee companies, the credit repair agency will go through your credit reports, undertake initial consultations, and quote a price based on the accounts.
Monthly Fee Companies
While this option may seem attractive with a lower monthly fee, it results in higher fees overall. These credit repair companies are not efficient or effective since they may not review your credit report. Therefore, it is hard to tell if they can help you. Also, the longer they keep you on the program, the higher the fee they can charge, leading to long-term costs.
Pay for Delete Companies
This option allows you to pay only when the removal happens, making it an appealing option for many people. However, these companies are few and far between, hence the high charges. Most cost as much as $299 as a set-up fee for each item removed, meaning you could end up paying a lot for only a few items' removal.
In conclusion, a flat fee company is the best option. However, research and calculate your costs since every credit repair case is different.
The Credit Repair Process in Wichita, KS
When it comes to credit repair, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The industry is flooded with advice, but much of it is outdated or just plain ineffective. Having worked in the credit repair industry for 15 years, I can attest to the constantly evolving nature of the process. Legal changes and regulations further complicate things. Credit repair is not complicated, but credit reporting agencies are always introducing new processes and procedures that may limit your ability to control your disputes. We stay on top of these changes to deliver the best possible results for our clients.
Understanding the Process
Not all credit repair strategies are equally effective. An approach that worked a few years ago may not work today. The “not mine disputes†process gained popularity in 2015 by disputing all negative and derogatory accounts on the credit report. However, the credit reporting agencies caught on and introduced more refined processes, such as e-OSCAR, to filter out frivolous dispute letters. Today, you need unique and effective dispute tactics to achieve results.
The New Process
Here is the secret: you have a legal right to contest the validity of any account on your credit report. You can request that the data furnisher provide proof of the account's validity, such as signed documents or payment ledgers. Instead of disputing only the errors on your credit report, request validation of all accounts. If you can identify an error, use any proof you have to request that it be corrected or deleted.
Requesting Account Documentation
To request validation, you need to know what account documentation to ask for. If you're unsure, contact the creditor or collection agency and ask what documents are required to authorize a new loan. A quick Google search can also provide more information. We will soon post a blog on this topic with links to all the necessary documentation, so stay tuned for updates.
Credit Repair is Not a Complete Fix for Credit Issues
Your personal finances are the primary driving force behind your credit and credit score. Your credit score fluctuates depending on your financial situation, much like how the stock market works. Credit repair is one solution to fixing derogatory accounts on your credit report, but it is not a final solution. To have sustainable credit, you need to have control over your personal finances. If you are having trouble prioritizing your finances, your credit score will suffer. To fix this, start by paying down credit balances, paying all accounts on time, and minimizing credit card use. The best way to have sustainable credit is by fixing your financial deficit. Repeat clients are common in the credit repair world because they don’t get serious about fixing their financial situation. To avoid being a repeat client, you should focus on organizing your finances.
Free Credit Repair in Wichita
Frequently asked by many, "Is there a way to fix my credit for free?" The truth is, you can repair your credit without spending any money, or perhaps only on paper and a stamp, by undergoing the procedure on your own. On my multiple blogs, I have outlined the steps on how to fix your credit like a professional. However, you must invest substantial "time" for anything free. Although you have the legal right to dispute your credit report at any time, most people prefer not to engage in the process as they either lack the time or willingness to put in the effort. If you fall under this category, I highly recommend hiring a professional credit repair firm. But, if you can commit 2-4 hours a month to dispute your credit report, I implore you to read my blog post on "Repair your credit like the pros."
Leave a testimonial or review
When I began working in credit repair in the early 2000s, I received no reviews or testimonials. Hence, I offered free credit repair in exchange for reviews or testimonials from random clients. Although sending out disputes cost me money, the value I received from the reviews was significantly higher than the small repair cost. My suggestion to people is to join "Credit Repair" Facebook groups in Wichita and make a simple post similar to this:
"I am searching for a new credit repair business owner willing to solve my credit concerns in exchange for an in-depth, detailed 5-star review."
Although you might get some negative comments (haters), someone would likely offer to repair your credit without charge.
Valuable Tips for Selecting a Credit Repair Company
Conduct careful research when selecting the best credit repair company that will permanently fix your credit. Although it might require a significant amount of effort and time, you must avoid wasting both your time and money.
Focus on enhancing your personal financial management, which is usually the root cause of most credit problems. Often, people give up their earnings to clear their credit, only to claim later that credit repair never worked or it was a scam. However, the real issue was unsound spending and saving habits that inhibited their creditworthiness. Credit restoration is a viable solution; in fact, it has transformed the lives of over 20,000 clients under my watch. However, it starts with you. First, take control of your finances, and then embark on credit repair, which will then become a fast, easy, and permanent fix. Do not lose hope. You can do this!