Introduction
Credit repair involves more than disputing questionable issues with the credit bureaus. In fact, a one-sided, dispute only, approach to the process is pointless and may do more harm than good. To get the full potential from your credit repair effort you must have a working knowledge of the laws that rule each of the players in the reporting arena, as well as an in depth understanding of the method and purpose of the Fair Isaac credit scoring method. It is involved, but not impossible. Take your time and you will be thrilled with the results you will get.
Attitude Adjustment
If you are going to jump into the world of credit repair you better start with an attitude adjustment. Credit reports are not perfect. But it is not the fault of the credit bureaus, nor can the problems be pinned on the individual participants, although you may occasionally encounter an ill-intentioned party. Take the Zen road; it is what it is. You do not need to waste any energy getting flummoxed by the inequities of the system, just take a deep breath and take is as it is. Unless you are in a Don Quixote frame of mind you will do best to work with the system as it is. Learn the ropes, plan your work, and keep a cool head. You will prevail.
Look With New Eyes
Start your credit repair process with a critical look at your credit reports. Prepare yourself mentally to examine every single element. Don’t jump ahead to the derogatory section of the report. If you look carefully you will probably find some solid gold score moving errors in the shiny clean section of your reports. Proofread for credit card limits, the accuracy of open or closed status, balances on old paid off accounts, and duplicate accounts. All of these innocent looking errors matter. And if you find anything you don’t recognize, add it to your list. When in doubt, take it out.
Get out Your Reading Glasses
If you want to maximize the probability of getting rid of offending errors, and maybe even learn to spot problems that otherwise would have sailed under the radar, you need to read the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Don’t be daunted. Trust yourself to weed through the pointless fine print and spot the sections that will help your
credit repair project. This is a case where you should move from screen to paper. Print away, then get a highlighter and color the parts that apply to your life. You will be surprised at what you discover. When you are done you will have the leverage to make the most of your dispute letters. You will also gain confidence and an understanding of the ways to effectively advance your case even if your dispute is not processed to your satisfaction the first time around.
Winning the Staring Contest
For many people undertaking the credit repair process collectors can present a troublesome reality. They are cantankerous and trained to be emotional terrorists. It’s just the way it is, so be prepared. Or, even better, educate yourself. Collectors have been known to walk the legal line. If you don’t know where the line is you could be victimized. Do your homework. Do you still have your reading glassed handy? The law is called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and it is quite a bit more user friendly than the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Get your highlighter and color the good parts. The next time a collector comes calling you will be able to laugh in the face of danger.
Dazed and Confused?
Credit repair is altogether too important to put off. If you are befuddled don’t give up, pick up the phone. I recommend that you call a professional credit repair service. A professional service will do it all for you. You get them your reports and they will do the analysis, disputes, and debt validation, as well as advise you of your score optimization opportunities. Before you know it your credit will look great. Don’t worry; you can make it happen, just take that first step. Good luck!
Copyright © 2009 Ian Webber. All Content. All Rights Reserved.
Ian Webber is an expert in consumer law and credit repair. Ian is a graduate of the London School of Economics and The University of Chicago where he earned his LLM. Ian consults with one of the leading online
credit repair services and is currently based in Florida.
