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How a Credit Rating Affects Your Life
So what's the main purpose of having a credit rating or credit
score, which is what it commonly termed. It gives your lender a
benchmark figure that helps him or her determine the likelihood
of your ability to repay your loan. But your rating isn't determined
by your lender; rather, a credit information provider calculates
your rating for them.
Your credit rating or will probably be a figure that ranges anywhere
from about 350 to 900, with higher numbers indicating a stronger
standing. Your score is based on only your Credit
Report. All demographic information -- including your age, city
of residency, employment, marital status, race, gender and national
origin -- are irrelevant in determining your credit score.
When it comes to your credit
standing, the "worst of the worst" include mortgage
foreclosures and bankruptcies, as well as vehicle repossessions.
Being late on your electric bill last June is nothing to lose sleep
about, provided you paid within 30 days. If being late on your bill
payments is a consistent problem for you, however, you may find
your reputation (in other words, your "credit history")
standing in your way when you attempt to land a home or car loan.
(For
credit reporting purposes only bills 30 days overdue are regarded
as late. However, it's wise not to wait until the last moment just
in case a check really does get lost in the mail.)
The first time you see your credit
report, you'll find listed all of your outstanding debts,
including major and minor credit cards, student loans, car loan
and all other loans to which you are obligated. In addition, the
report will provide your payment history with respect to each one
of these debts. Have you made your payments on time? Consistently?
Sporadically? Are you in default on your student loans or other
loans? While lenders do not expect perfect credit, too many payments
30 or 60 days overdue in the past year or two can sink a mortgage
application or drive you into the realm of higher rates and tougher
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Have
you been knocking at the doors of multiple lenders, asking for their
approval but never receiving it? Another factor of which you may
not be aware is that each time you approach a lender to obtain a
loan, your credit history is subsequently reviewed, and that review
goes on your "permanent" record, so to speak regardless
of whether or not you received the loan. If a prospective lender
sees an extensive history of these "credit inquiries"
on your report, that's likely to send up a red flag and hurt your
chances for approval. One exception, however: Any inquiries you've
initiated in the 30 days prior to having your credit score calculated
will not be reviewed or used against you.
If for any reason you're denied a loan based on your credit rating,
don't despair. You can improve your score. The first step is to
seek the guidance of a credit counselor who can help guide you through
the process of restoring your credit
standing. To find a counselor in your area, one of your best
bets is to do an online search of community credit organizations.
Many
of these organizations are non-profits and will charge you little
or even nothing for their services. Some may charge a fee, and you
shouldn't necessarily run from those, either. Be forewarned, however:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If the organization
promises you instant loan approval after using their services (for
a fee, of course), be extremely wary. Credit takes more than the
snap of your fingers to restore.
Also,
if you are offered a new credit identity, forget it. So-called credit
segregation schemes are easy to spot and likely to be illegal, as
well.
It
takes time and patience, but with determination, you'll do it --
raising your credit score and, ultimately, your chances of achieving
your dream of home ownership
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