Getting Your Credit Report

The information in your credit report has a huge impact on whether or not you qualify for a mortgage loan and what interest rate a lender will offer. Therefore, it's important your credit report reflects a positive image of the way you manage your money. If you're getting ready to buy a home, checking your credit report is the best way to ensure you get the loan and interest rate you deserve.

There are three national credit reporting agencies that most lenders and mortgage companies use - Equifax www.equifax.com, Experian www.experian.com and TransUnion www.transunion.com - Why three? That's because the three agencies are independent of each other and the information may differ on all three reports. 

How to Get Your Free Annual Credit Report (AnnualCreditReport.com)

Previously, consumers had to contact all three of credit bureaus individually to request their free annual credit report. However the three nationwide credit bureaus now have a centralized website (AnnualCreditReport.com), toll-free phone number, and mailing address so you can order your free annual reports in once place. While there are multiple credit monitoring and reporting services out there, this is the only official site explicitly directed by Federal law to provide them. Here is how you can request your free credit report today:

• Visit: AnnualCreditReport.com 
• Call 877-322-8228
• Complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

How to Contact the Three Credit Bureaus

You are still able to contact the three individual credit bureaus for help with information reported. You are also still able to request a report from them individually, but the credit bureaus may charge you a reasonable amount for a copy of your report. Below is the contact info for all three agencies:

• Equifax: 800-685-1111; equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
• Experian: 888-397-3742; experian.com/help
• TransUnion: 888-909-8872; transunion.com/credit-help

Whether you are thinking of buying a home or simply curious about what's in your credit report,  it's important to correct any errors you discover as soon as possible.  You don't want errors in your credit report  affecting your eligibility for credit in the future. 

For the most updated info and to learn more about credit reports and how to request your free report, click here: https://www.usa.gov/credit-reports

Once you get your free credit report, the next step is understanding how it affects your mortgage options. Call us today to go over your free credit report!! 407-834-3377