Warner Robins GA Buyers…Did you know the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) guarantees free access to your credit report once every 12 months from each of the 3 consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  If you’re looking to Buy a Home in Warner Robins GA, it’s important to know your FICO Credit Score.  Your FICO score is tabulated based on your credit history and along with your debt and income level help lenders assess your credit risk.  The FICO score range is 300 – 850; the higher the FICO Score, the lower the credit risk.  The report is free; the FICO score will cost a nominal fee. 

It is a good idea to review your credit report annually and challenge (in writing) any debt attributed to you that you didn’t create.  Also, if your report shows old credit cards, store cards, and/or store accounts you aren’t using, contact the applicable reporting company to have the information removed from your report.  Cleaning up your credit report and raising your FICO score could get you a better interest rate and save you a lot of money over the life of your home loan.       

Below are 3 sources that provide a wealth of knowledge on credit reports, FICO scores, how to improve your FICO score, and a host of other consumer credit information. 

1. www.annualcreditreport.com – Only site authorized by law to provide a free credit report (credit file disclosure).  The site is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission and is jointly managed by the 3 consumer credit reporting companies.
2. www.myfico.com – Invented the credit risk score that lenders use to determine credit risk/access to credit.  The site has a wealth of knowledge relating to consumer credit and has a Community Forum with 29 main topics and over 500,000 posts.  If you have a question, chances are the answer is here. 
3. www.bankrate.com – This site has it all…Mortgage data, credit information, debt management, refinancing, etc.  It’s a must visit for anyone looking for home buying advice, tips, or information. 

Cleaning up your credit report and raising your credit score can take some time so prepare early.  Waiting until you pre-qualify is too late in the game…You don’t want any credit surprises to stop you from making an offer on your dream home.