Regrettably, credit repair services share a similar public opinion as dentists do - most people dislike having someone meddling with their finances. Nevertheless, opening a credit repair business requires nothing more than a heartbeat and charisma, making it seem like there's a credit repair store at every turn, much like McDonald's. Having been in the credit repair industry for 15 years and heading up one of the largest credit repair companies nationwide, I understand the stigmatization around our industry that most people know to be status quo.Poor credit is a growing problem, and the rapid increase in the number of credit repair businesses in the last year is evidence of how many options are available, making it crucial for consumers to research thoroughly to avoid being taken advantage of.As the proprietor of a credit repair company, I have been honored to have served more than 20,000 individuals and transformed their lives, and so, in an attempt to give back, I aim to offer transparency and explanations regarding how our industry operates. I am providing tools to help individuals make the best possible decision when they decide to hire a credit repair agency.
Table of Contents
How to Find the Best Credit Repair Company in Surprise
Different Credit Repair Companies: Understanding the Difference in Surprise
The Credit Repair Process in Surprise
Personal Credit Management: A Holistic Approach
Free Credit Repair Services in Surprise
Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
How to Find the Best Credit Repair Company in Surprise
When it comes to credit repair, many people ask which is the best company to contact. However, instead of recommending my own company, I always advise that they conduct thorough research and exercise due diligence before selecting a service provider. Though online reviews can reveal crucial information, it's best to exercise caution, as not all sources might be reliable. My personal conviction is that credibility is better earned through research instead of through persuasion. Therefore, after being in the business for 15 years, I have crafted a list of steps that you should follow to determine the best credit repair company in Surprise.
Make a list
Perform a Google search, identify the credit repair firms in your locality, and shortlist them based on their Google review rating and proximity to you.
Reputation
Check the online presence and reputation of the companies on your list. Be wary of fly-by-night agencies, fake Google reviews, and make sure the company has enough reviews that you can trust to make a more informed decision. You can use the archives athttps://archive.org/web/to check when their website was first established.
Make the call
After shortlisting the potential firms, contact each one and inquire about their length of operation, licensure and bonding status, whether they have a physical office you can visit, if they offer free consultations and money-back guarantees, and, most importantly, their fee structure. These calls should provide the information you need to make an informed decision.
Different Credit Repair Companies: Understanding the Difference in Surprise
More than a million credit repair and financial service companies exist in the United States, making it a daunting task to choose the right one. Although the abundance of options allows for selectivity, it also poses difficulties in distinguishing between proficient and non-proficient companies. To comprehend credit repair procedures better, it is essential to understand the three types of credit repair companies that exist in the industry.
Flat-fee companies
Only 5% of credit repair companies are structured with flat-fee services. This model proffers the fastest results and saves clients a considerable amount of money. Flat-fee companies do not charge monthly fees but only bill for disputed accounts. The credit repair company reviews the client's credit reports to determine the accounts that need dispute and bills clients a one-time fee. This structure motivates clients' services to be completed promptly, allowing them to secure pre-approval quickly. As a result, Flat-fee companies come highly recommended.
Monthly-fee companies
Most credit repair companies prefer the monthly-fee model, but this structure may not work for all clients. These credit repair companies do not review credit reports before deciding to take up a client, which is usually an ineffective approach. With a monthly fee structure, credit repair companies dispute only a few items at a time, prolonging the repair process. Clients may end up paying a high fee for credit repair as the fees accumulate over time.
Pay-for-delete companies
This type of company structure offers clients an enticing way to pay for credit repair by only paying for results. The credit repair company is under immense pressure to perform as the client will only pay when they see results. However, pay-for-delete companies often charge high fees per item removed, which can be very expensive. Clients must examine the fee structure and inquire about what the fees look like if all their accounts were to be removed.The best option for credit repair is a flat-fee company that guarantees prompt and efficient service, but it is essential to research credit repair companies before choosing the most suitable option.
The Credit Repair Process in Surprise
If you're looking for credit repair solutions in Surprise, you might find conflicting advice on the right approach to repairing your credit. While there's a plethora of information out there, most of it is outdated or misguided. As someone with over 15 years of industry experience, I can tell you that credit repair is a constantly evolving process, and regulatory changes and amendments make it even more complex. Credit reporting agencies are constantly implementing new procedures and tactics, making it harder for consumers to dispute accounts effectively. Our team keeps up with these changes to ensure our clients get the best solutions.
The Traditional Credit Repair Process
In 2015, many people had success disputing negative accounts on their credit reports using "not mine disputes." By claiming that the accounts weren't theirs, they could force credit reporting agencies to delete them. But this process wasn't foolproof, and many people found that disputed accounts reappeared months later after a secondary legal reinvestigation process. The credit reporting agencies found ways to refine their processes, which made disputing accounts more challenging for most people. However, some tried-and-tested dispute tactics can still be effective if used correctly.
The Key to a Successful Credit Repair Process
Rather than following outdated advice, you should exercise your legal right to contest the validity of any account on your credit report. You can request data furnishers (creditors or collection agencies) to validate accounts by providing proof of ownership and validity. You can do this by asking for original signed documents or payment ledgers with all transactions made on the account. Calling data furnishers and asking what documents are required to authorize a new loan can also help you determine what account documentation you should request. Once you've established that there is an error or inaccuracy in the account or reporting, you should respond using the proof you have and request that it be corrected or deleted.
What Account Documentation Should You Request?
The original loan determines what documents you should request. If you're unsure of what documents to ask for, a quick Google search or calling as a non-customer and asking what documents are required to be submitted or signed to authorize a new loan may help. I will also be posting a quick blog on this topic with more information and links to all the documents you can request, so stay tuned.
Personal Credit Management: A Holistic Approach
Personal finance is the primary driving force behind credit scores. Your credit score fluctuates depending on your financial stability, which explains why millions of Americans struggle with credit issues. Credit repair can definitely help erase derogatory accounts on your credit report, but it is not a comprehensive solution to your credit problems. It is just one tool out of many to improve your credit standing. One has to have sustainable credit to weather any recession or job loss. This means having full control over personal finances, which proves to be a challenge for most people. To achieve a stable credit score, paying off revolving credit balances, timely payment of all accounts, and minimal use of credit cards are crucial. Fixing your financial deficit is the most effective solution to achieve credit sustainability.The credit repair cycle is endless, with many becoming repeat clients. The reason for this endless cycle is not getting serious about one's financial situation while pouring money into credit repair. Having a clear understanding of your finances and working to keep them in line before seeking credit repair is the cornerstone of sustainable credit. Clients must be responsible enough to focus on improving their finances and reducing debt in conjunction with credit repair. A more holistic approach to personal credit management can break the endless cycle of credit repair.
Free Credit Repair Services in Surprise
Many people wonder if there is a way to fix their credit for free, and the answer is yes! You can do it yourself by following the steps provided in my blogs on repairing your credit like a professional. However, free services often come with a price tag for your time and effort. Although you have the legal right to dispute your credit report at any time, most people either lack the time or do not want to put in the effort. In this case, hiring a professional credit repair company is highly recommended for quick credit repair. If you are willing to commit 2-4 hours per month on credit report disputes, check out my blog post on how to repair your credit like the pros.
Leave a Testimonial or Review
When I started offering credit repair services in the early 2000s, I used to offer free credit repair in exchange for testimonials and reviews. At that time, it was hard to get reviews or testimonials, and this exchange helped me build up credibility. There are newer credit repair companies that may be willing to do the same thing to build their reputation. To find such businesses, search for "Credit Repair" Facebook groups and make a post requesting help with your credit concerns in exchange for a 5-star review. You may encounter some negativity, but it is highly likely you will find a business willing to do your credit repair for free.
Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
Research various credit repair companies to find the best one that can help you fix your credit permanently. It may take some effort and time, but it is essential to avoid wasting your money and time.
Focus on your personal finance management since it is the leading cause of bad credit for most people. Do not blame credit repair or deem it a fraud if you failed to get the desired result. Often, poor spending and saving habits cause credit issues.
You need to make a lifestyle change to control your finances before using credit repair services. It takes effort and discipline, but the results are remarkable. My experience oversaw more than twenty thousand clients whose finance and life improved due to credit repair.
Do not lose hope and take control of your finances to make them work for you. With effort and patience, you will successfully improve your credit score.