Here is a little advice for anyone looking to get a copy of the credit report before they start the whole application process.

There are many ways to get your hands on a credit report today.  But like many things in life, you get what you pay for.  There are three major credit reporting bureaus and all three of them are relevant in the mortgage industry; Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.  All three of these bureaus can be found on the internet and all three of them will allow you to request a free copy of your credit report. 

•·         experian.com

•·         transunion.com

•·         equifax.com

After you receive a copy of your credit report they will try to enroll you into a credit monitoring service with a monthly fee.  In some cases, they automatically enroll you and you have to contact them to turn off this service.  We are not saying that the credit monitoring service is not without value, but you do not have to pay them just to view your credit.  If you find an inaccuracy, you will have to pay a fee to the bureau and then you can dispute the credit item on-line.  We recommend direct contact with the bureaus to eliminate the delays and additional fees of middle-men.

There are other popular on-line services that will give you a credit report for free too. The well advertised freecreditreport.com is a good example.  They will give you a single bureau (Experian) report for no cost.  However, you will begin a free trial membership in their credit monitoring program as well.  If you don't cancel your membership within 7-days, you will be billed monthly until you cancel.  To dispute any inaccuracies on your report you may have to pay extra fees.  It is the same type structure as dealing with Experian directly.

JIM CUNNINGHAM

Community First Financial, LLC

7575 E Redfield Rd   Suite 235

Scottsdale, AZ  85260

480-305-8900 ext 305 - office

480-907-2435 - fax

602-434-8261 - cell

jcunningham@communityfirstfinancial.com

www.communityfirstfinancial.com

www.jimcunninghamcff.blogspot.com

http://activerain.com/jcunningham