A credit report will include credit accounts, public records, credit inquiries and any statements of dispute. You should check your credit history at least once a year to keep tabs on your finances and make sure no one has stolen your identity. Everyone is entitled to one free report a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. (You can get your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com.) Learn more about what your credit report says about you.
Credit Card Consolidation Impacts Credit Score
Does it hurt your credit score if you close credit card accounts? Credit bureaus monitor how long you've had each credit card in determining your credit score so closing a long-held credit card could have a negative impact. But if you're generally responsible with your credit cards by paying them off every month and thus not carrying a balance your credit score may not drop significantly. It's important to know your credit score when you're applying for a home loan.
How Credit Scores Impact Mortgage Applications
How do credit scores impact mortgage applications? Credit scores measure debt and your ability to pay back loans. Especially today, your credit score will determine your mortgage and interest rate. What credit score should you have and how can you improve your credit score and get the best interest rate for your mortgage? Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips segment for information on credit scores, mortgage applications, and how to improve your credit score and credit history.
Mortgage Interest Rates Change For Mortgage Refinance
What penalties do you pay when you cancel a mortgage loan refinance? A home owner asks about canceling a mortgage loan refinance because mortgage interest rates dropped four days after he filled out his refinance application. Ilyce says to walk away from the mortgage loan refinance, he has to be willing to lose the money he spent on an appraiser. But canceling the mortgage loan refinance is OK from a legal and ethical standpoint so long as he's read his mortgage loan refinance documents and abides by them.
Personal Finance Tips For Financial Crisis
Many consumers struggle to stay confident during this financial crisis. What can you do to strengthen your personal finances? Ilyce offers personal finance actions and tips that you can follow to give yourself some security and peace of mind during the financial crisis.
College Credit Card Use Can Have Long Term Impact
Credit card debt can pile up fast, especially when you're in college. A new poll says that nearly one quarter of college students graduate with more t...
What Does Your Credit Score Really Mean?
Personal finance magazines and TV shows often tell you to raise your credit score and that you need a good credit score to get a mortgage loan with a ...
More Americans File For Bankruptcy In First Half Of 2008
More Americans filed for bankruptcy in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007. The American Bankruptcy Institute announced that fi...
Choosing The Right Mortgage Loan
Learn about mortgage basics including two common types of mortgage loans and what it takes to qualify. Your credit score will have an impact on what kind of mortgage loan you can get. Being informed about your credit score and your options will help you get the right mortgage for you.
Steps For Establishing A Credit History
Having a good credit score will help you get a better mortgage interest rate. Learn how mortgage lenders use your credit score from mortgage broker Victor Benoun. You should try to increase your credit score before you apply for a mortgage. To establish a good credit score you must make your payments on time and in full every month.