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Credit Repair Explained: A Guide for Albuquerque Residents 😃

Joe Mahlow avatar

by Joe Mahlow •  Updated on Jul. 23, 2023

Credit Repair Explained: A Guide for Albuquerque Residents 😃
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For the past 15 years, I have had friends, family members, and strangers asking me about credit repair. The way I explain it now is different from how I used to, and I believe it is more useful. Credit repair is a process that many don't know about, but is highly effective in improving credit scores. It is allowed through consumer protection laws that allow the consumer to contest any account on the credit report and ask for valid proof that the account is accurately reporting and the debt is valid. One mistake by a reporting agency, such as an incorrect payment or an unpaid balance, can cause errors that compound over time. Credit repair is a process where the consumer can dispute an item on their credit report and request verification or validation from a data furnisher or credit reporting agency. To be successful, the consumer needs to understand the credit reporting laws.

Table of Contents

What is the optimal method for credit repair?

For whom is credit repair intended?

What is the importance of Credit Repair?

What sorts of things can Credit Repair address?

What is the optimal method for credit repair?

The optimal method for credit repair involves a comprehensive approach that goes beyond disputing errors and making timely payments. One important aspect is focusing on credit utilization by keeping balances low and paying off debts strategically. Additionally, diversifying credit by responsibly managing different types of credit accounts, such as installment loans or a mix of credit cards, can demonstrate creditworthiness. Another effective strategy is establishing a positive payment history by setting up automatic payments or payment reminders to ensure timely repayments. Seeking the guidance of reputable credit repair organizations or financial advisors who specialize in credit restoration can provide valuable insights and personalized strategies for optimal credit repair. By incorporating these additional measures alongside the previously mentioned strategies, individuals can maximize their chances of achieving the best results in their credit repair journey.

Send out dispute letters on your own

If you don't have the time or patience to learn the credit repair process and research the respective laws, I recommend you find a credit repair company to help you. Credit Repair can take 3-5 months and 1-3 hours of your time minimal each month. It is important to know the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) which outline what guidelines a Data Furnisher and/or Credit Reporting agency must follow when reporting your account information to your credit report. Create personal dispute letters to send out to the (3) major credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian, and Transunion and wait for their response before disputing the data furnisher like the original creditor or a collection agency. The Credit Reporting agencies and data furnishers must respond within 30 business days or remove the account or reporting error off your credit report immediately. Use certified mail to send your dispute letters and keep records of everything you do in the process.

Use an online Dispute tool or Software

Submitting an online dispute with the three major credit reporting agencies is not recommended as you sign off your rights to redispute any item on your credit report for an entire year. If the first dispute does not get the desired outcome, then there is no chance to rechallenge or redispute for an entire year. Additionally, online disputes are typically generic and basic and do not use any specific consumer protection laws, limiting the potential for good results.

Hiring a credit repair company

Hiring a credit repair company can provide convenience and expertise, but there are also risks. Not all companies are reliable and it is important to do due diligence before selecting the right credit repair company. Ask questions and find out if they provide a money back guarantee. Education and credit learning can be provided to help understand what affects your credit score and what can be done to improve it quickly. Complex situations may require expert advice on how to get the best results. Hiring a credit repair company can also save money as credit issues can cost thousands in fees.Look, you have the power to choose and make decisions. Write down all your concerns when it comes to fixing your credit and pick a solution that fits you best. Never settle and always do your due diligence and research.

For whom is credit repair intended?

Anyone who has any type of negative item on their credit report should really consider credit repair. It is your legal right to dispute any item on your credit report and just because the account is legally your responsibility, doesn't mean there isn't an error on your credit report.Over the past 10 years, I have personally worked with more than 22,000 clients and I have seen so many people who have been paying high interest rates due to an invalid or inaccurate account on their credit report, as they thought that credit repair was only for accounts that were not theirs. There are several companies offering a free credit consultation, which can look over your credit report to identify if there are errors or discrepancies on it.This lesson was learned the hard way when I was younger, but it has helped me see credit differently. A credit score has little to nothing to do with your ability to be approved for a loan, but instead it is your credibility that determines this, and your score determines the tier in which your interest rate will be. It's pretty amazing! Most people think that their credit score is the key to getting approved for a loan, but in reality it is what is on your credit report. I had a client with a credit score in the high 700s, but still turned down for a loan. It's crazy, but most loan providers don'tt want to see high and recent credit inquiries as it raises suspicion that they may have already been approved for the same loan by another company.Moral of the story - check your credit report online at least every quarter and if you have any derogatory remark on your credit report, you should dispute it.

What is the importance of Credit Repair?

If you have encountered even a fraction of the credit reports I've had access to, you would immediately understand why credit repair is a must. Not only is it vital for securing loans in the future, it also helps you stop bad habits from causing permanent financial destruction.I always tell my clients that credit repair is merely one of many solutions to address credit issues. It won't solve all your financial worries, but it does allow you to clear derogatory debt from your report and boost your credit score. It also helps you remove any debt that is not legally yours. Nevertheless, credit repair is only a tool and its necessity lies in preventing you from having to pay compounded amounts of interest for the rest of your life.

Having poor credit can prevent you from obtaining the following:

Getting a job

Insurance

A home or car loan

A credit card

Renters Insurance

Utility and phone service

Saving money and growing wealth

Those who work on improving their credit score early have a better chance of retiring earlier and setting up their future generations for success. Therefore, it's never too soon to start repairing your credit - begin now!

What sorts of things can Credit Repair address?

Credit Repair can be a great tool to help you fix any inaccuracies or errors that are reported on a credit report. From personal information to negative accounts, payment history, public records, and credit inquiries, you should always be sure to dispute anything that is not accurate on your credit report. Highlighting the information on a copy of your credit report is a great way to identify what to dispute.

To conclude

Having a great credit score is an essential part of building wealth. Sadly, many people don'tt realize the importance of credit, or lack the knowledge to understand how to fix it. That's where I come in. I can guide you every step of the way to get your credit back in shape. If you're looking for a credit repair company, I strongly recommend ASAP Credit Repair. We are a nationwide family-owned business that is fully licensed, bonded and offers a money-back guarantee on almost all of our services. Plus, we offer a free consultation and evaluation. Click the link to check us out and get started <a href="https://asapcreditrepairusa.shortcm.li/9a4hSz"></a>. Leave me a comment below and I'll be more than happy to help.

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