Will a Loan Modification Hurt My Credit Score?
If you fall behind on your mortgage, you have options, but you must be proactive. One of the best ways to get back on track with your mortgage is loan modification. But will a loan modification hurt your credit score? Loan modification can hurt your credit score The biggest negative effect to your credit from […]
Are All of Your Creditors Listed on Your Credit Report? Maybe Not.
The credit bureaus have gotten pretty good about instantaneously obtaining and promptly reporting your personal financial information. The credit bureaus are big, savvy, and flush with cash. But are all of the creditors you owe listed on your credit report? Maybe not. These are some of the most common types of bills and creditors that typically […]
How to Refinance With a Foreclosure on Your Credit Report
Whether you can refinance with a foreclosure on your credit report depends upon two factors: your loan terms and your mortgage lender. Negative credit events like foreclosure affect every credit decision made by lenders. A foreclosure will stay on your credit report for seven years. But many creditors look past previous foreclosures during the refinance application […]
How to Find Out If You Have a Debt in Collection
If you’re concerned about your credit score, you probably want to know if you have any debts in collections. Having debt in collection can badly harm your credit score. And the damage can multiply if unaddressed. Creditors often report debts to credit agencies but do not seriously attempt collection on the debt. You may believe that […]
What Does It Mean When a Debt is Charged Off?
Many people experience a feeling of relief when they see on their credit reports that an old debt has been marked as “Charged Off.” Some think that these debts have been forgiven because a creditor has charged off the debt. But what exactly does it mean when a debt is charged off? You Still Owe […]
Does Foreclosure Show Up on a Background Check?
Running a personal background check can tell a potential employer or landlord a lot about you. Today’s background checks include more than just your criminal record. Background checks also reveal prior addresses, previous employers, and your credit history. But does foreclosure show up on a background check? Foreclosure Will Appear on Your Background Check To […]
Credit Monitoring Services are a Waste of Money
Many companies (like LifeLock, Identity Guard, and IdentityForce) offer to monitor your credit report and alert you if something suspicious happens. These companies charge a monthly fee, between $9.99 and $29.99 per month. All three credit bureaus also offer credit monitoring services for various monthly fees. In theory, these service are a good idea. In reality, however, credit monitoring services […]
How Long Does Foreclosure Stay on a Credit Report?
If you are facing foreclosure or have already been through foreclosure, you may wonder: How Long Does Foreclosure Stay on a Credit Report? Most of my clients who are facing foreclosure want to keep their properties. There are lots of options for those facing foreclosure in DC, Maryland or Virginia. If you want to save […]
How Long Will Bankruptcy Stay on My Credit Report?
Bankruptcy can be a life-changing decision. You should definitely educate yourself as much as possible about the ramifications before you file. Your specific circumstances will determine whether bankruptcy is the right choice for you. But you must keep your long-term objectives in mind. On a weekly basis I answer the question: How long will bankruptcy […]