Hi everyone. I enjoy reading about everyone's successes! I have a problem though. I ordered a combined credit report and my credit score is currently 652. I want to get a mortgage. Some of the information is incorrect. I had a bankruptcy in 1989 and an item from that is still there. There is Public Record item for "Dismissal of court suit" from Montgomery Ward in 1995 that I wasn't even aware of. There are other items that I've paid off and are closed and show as being open with zero balance. And a "payment after chargeoff for less than full balance" for those *****s at Cross Country Bank. (I moved and they wouldn't change my address. I was making electronic payments over the phone to them but they always made sure that it was posted after the due date) There is a Discover Card that is showing current, opened in 1987 with a zero balance which I don't have (I filed bankruptcy on Discover) and a couple of other things that show 30 days late 1 or 2 times that never were. My question is, what is the best way to clean things up and remove the negatives? Can I really do this myself, and if not, which of the services like Lexington Law Firm or others would be the best to go with. Thank you in advance for your advise and help. It's great to have a place to come to with so many knowlegeable and helpful people!
First thing you need to do is dispute with all 3 CRAs. I have found that about half of them drop off. IF the discover card is not showing anything negative andthe account is that old it is only helping your credit report. IF after the dispute some things still remain then you come back here for help with a 30 day validation letter. Older debts of 3 or more years have a good chance of dropping off due to their ignoring them. I am in the same boat you are in. IT has taken me 4 months so far and I still have a ways to go. I want a house now probably as much as you do but I have to tell myself this takes time and to wait. Mortgages seems to want a 620 score on your middle report but all unpaid chargeoffs and collections must be paid.
