Credit Repair Basics

Do you also believe that credit repair is possible only through an agency? The simple answer is false. It could be possible but that will surely cost you lots of money and time. It would be better doing it yourself rather then going through an agency.

Credit repair or rather repairing your own credit will take time, not just that but also will definitely require lots of patience. Firstly you need to get in touch with the credit reporting agencies in writing and request for your credit report. You are entitled for a free credit report every year according to Federal Law. The main 3 credit reporting agencies are TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian where you may require to go looking for your credit report.

When you write your credit repair letter to the credit reporting agency you will need to include; request for a copy of your credit report, copy of your state ID, proof of your current address or list of addresses for the past 2 to 3 years, a copy of your social security card and last but not the least remember to sign the document. If you want to be more secured mail all this certified with return receipt requested so that you have a confirmation and an acknowledgement from the reporting agency.

You should allow at least 4 to 6 weeks in order for you to receive your credit report. In case you already received a yearly credit report and are not allowed for the free one, then you should remember to use any refutation letter of credit within sixty days of its receipt. In case you receive a denying credit letter then make a copy and get them enclose with your letter requesting for a copy of your credit report.

Once you have in hand reports from all of the agencies, get each report reviewed for accuracy and any differences. If you identify any discrepancy make a spreadsheet or may be a written log to track all the possible differences. Do not hesitate to highlight the disputes or invalid accounts if there are any. If you identify anything on your report worth disputing then file an official dispute through their web site. You will have to mail it with a dispute form in case you need to provide proof of making payment for something, Try and send only one dispute at a time so that matters are looked into one at a time. The credit bureau may not help you saying you are filing a frivolous claim if you send more dispute at a time.

Credit repair may not sound easy but it is not difficult either if you are well versed with the basics. Remember your credit reports should also include detail contact information as well as account detail for all the creditors. Also get all your debt and creditors organised. It may also happen that seven years or old debt may not appear on your credit report, if this happens then leave them aside. Most likely creditors after seven years with no contact with you will most likely write off the debt and may not even continue their pursuit of recovery.

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Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 Credit Restoration

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