9/13/07

4 steps to raise FICO credit score

Good credit is a goal each of us should aspire to. Having excellent credit gets you the best possible terms, such as lower interest rates or having to pay fewer points when you buy a home.
Good credit is not something best left to luck or chance. Getting good credit takes only concentration, commitment and good payment habits to fix bad credit scores, and you can raise your FICO score yourself by changing the way you deal with debt and credit.
And it's so important. If your FICO score these days is not 700 or higher, you will not qualify for the best terms.Getting the highest FICO score is not always in reach of every consumer, due to past credit habits.
Being continuously late making regularly scheduled payments on installment loans adds black marks to your credit rating.
But everyone can change their habits and get better credit. Four positive steps you can take to raise your FICO credit score are:
(1) Pay your bills BEFORE they are due,
(2) Stop taking on more debt,
(3) Reduce credit card balances every month, and
(4) Limit credit inquiries.

With the goal of getting a high FICO credit score of 700+, remember that it is essential to repay the loans you have taken out in a timely manner.
Late payments or payment defaults when your home is at risk is the fastest way to lower your credit score, and to delay getting better credit. So keep in mind, as you pay off loan installments over time, your credit score will start to rise.
Get more info on fixing your credit and getting better credit at http://www.findhow2.com/

9/11/07

Build better credit long before you need to borrow money

The responsible use of credit allows people the opportunity to borrow money at reasonable terms and pay it back over a longer period of time, to allow them to buy a house or investment property today, live in it, and enjoy both a comfortable home and realize appreciation of real estate values.
But getting credit has not always been easy, and lately it's been harder than anytime this century to qualify for a new home loan.
It is easier to get credit if you have been a borrower in the past -- but more importantly, a borrower who pays back a debt on time and in full. So, with discipline and steady repayment habits, practically anyone can begin the process of qualifying for and having access to credit.
Young adults will find it advantageous to build good credit now to qualify for student loans, a new home, a car purchase in the future. Having better credit before you need to borrow money will give you more options.
Learn how to get better credit at http://www.findhow2.com/