I did not want to post anything until holding my breath was over. It closed and recorded so now I have the keys and can post. Two years ago January I started with Lexington. Had enough success to stick with them until 4 or so months ago when I learned enough from here. I continued myself with little success but still something is better than nothing. Went to a big, mostly nationwide mortgage lender with my three credit reports to see what they thought and got positive reactions. I ended up with an FHA approval. They said that is all I could qualify for. I also was approved for a down payer assistance program. I will post the scores the tri merge report came up with later. I did have to pay a judgement off in escrow but it was almost payed off anyway. Still that is one less bill each month and that is great. I also had to explain in writing why I was late on each account showing late. The important thing was that the 2 or three still showing late had been charged off, they were that old, so I only had to give an explanation, I did not have to pay them off. Oh and the interest rate is 7.5% on $100,000. Found a nice 3/2 and we are very happy. Now we have to do a little work but that is great. I really had to sweat a bit because I did not listen to the advice repeated here over and over... After the first credit check I got crazy and applied for, and was approved for Target, Mervyns and Home Depot. I thought for sure I killed it but I guess not. Still I would never do that again and I don't recommend it. Thanks to all who post such good advice. I did not think we would be buying a house for several years but now we have and its done. John
