finance

Credit After Foreclosure

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Call reScore Solutions (a Kirkpatrick & Associatescompany) if you have had a foreclosure and ready to purchase another home.  We can advise you of your rights and help you rebuild your credit.

Foreclosure in Alabama
Had a foreclosure?

If you have recently experienced a foreclosure or short sale, it is important to know the effects those events will have on your credit report and credit scores.  You may be concerned about being able to qualify for another mortgage, car loan or even a credit card.

Yes, you can #regain your credit status.  This is where we can help you in rebuilding your credit and credit scores.  Let’s take a look at some valuable information regarding your credit after a foreclosure.  Even with this information, it can be confusing to how and when to rebuild.  There are many loan and credit card companies that are ready to capitalize on your situation and charge exuberant fees and interest rates to “help” you rebuild.  Here, at Kirkpatrick & Associates, we can help guide you through the process without you paying those loan sharks.

1.    Question: I was told that I would not be able to have credit for 10 years after Bankruptcy and not sure how long after a foreclosure.

Answer:  A Bankruptcy can remain on your credit reports for up to 10 years, but you can rebuild your credit immediately after your Bankruptcy is dismissed.  With re-established credit and credit scores, you can purchase a home after 2 years of Bankruptcy, that did not include a foreclosure and 3 years with a foreclosure.

2.   Question:  How will your FICO score consider a foreclosure?
Answer:   There’s no denying that foreclosures are considered a very negative event by your FICO score. With that said, it’s a common misconception that a foreclosure will make it impossible to rebuild your credit. In fact, if you keep all of your other credit obligations in good standing, there’s a good chance that your FICO score could begin to rebound in just 2 years. Try to pay your auto loans, credit cards and any other credit obligations on time to limit the effect of this foreclosure.  [FICO.com]

3.  Question:  Are other options better for my credit standing?
Answer:  Recently, several alternatives to foreclosure have become popular – some of these include “short sales” and “deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure”. These may be viable options for you, and you should definitely do research to determine if these options make sense for your situation. However, as far as your FICO score in concerned, there is no difference between foreclosures and short sales or deeds-in-lieu of foreclosures. Each of these actions is considered an account that was “not paid as agreed”, and will have the same impact to your FICO score.  [FICO.com]

Better FICO scores
Rebuilding your credit without the high fees and interest rates.

4.  Question:  How long will a foreclosure affect my FICO score?                                                                                                                                     Answer:  A foreclosure remains on your credit report for 7 years, but its impact to your FICO® score will lessen over time. While a foreclosure is considered a very negative event by your FICO score, it’s a common misconception that it will ruin your score for a very long time. In fact, if you keep all of your other credit obligations in good standing, your FICO score can begin to rebound in as little as 2 years. The important thing to keep in mind is that a foreclosure is a single negative item, and if you keep this item isolated, it will be much less damaging to your FICO score than if you had a foreclosure in addition to defaulting on other credit obligations.  [FICO.com]

Thank you for allowing us to help your with your current credit issue.  We would love to talk to you and invite you to call our office if you have concerns regarding your credit situation and feel that we may be able to assist you.  Our number is 205-352-3448 Monday – Friday 8:30 to 5:30.  We value our patrons and do our best to answer every call.  If we are not available, the receptionist will be happy to forward your call to the voicemail.  Please leave a message or email her at Gale@reScoreSolutions.com or Regina@reScoreSolutions.com

7 Ways To Deal With Bad Credit When Renting

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house for rent bham al
Renting a home with bad credit

Bad credit can trigger all sorts of issues when trying to get a mortgage, purchase a car or get a credit card.  But even if you’re just looking for an apartment or house to rent, your credit history can pose problems.

Most landlords check credit reports of potential renters to determine the probability of receiving the rent payments.  This can pose a problem when you may have a repossession, charge-offs, foreclosure, late payments or a Bankruptcy listed on your credit report.  When your credit is damaged, you may have a tough time qualifying for that home or apartment that you and your family need.

At reScore Solutions, we understand that many people have fallen on hard times due to job loss, health problems, or having to close a business.  Bad credit can happen even when we do our best to pay our bills on time.

Call us so for a free no-obligation credit report evaluation.  While you are trying to get your life back on track, we can get your credit scores back up and running.

We specialize in getting your credit reports lender-ready so that you will be approved for a home.   Understanding the ins and outs of lending we know what it takes to get your credit reports repaired and credit scores to the specification of your lender.

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Raise your credit scores to qualify for loans and credit cards.

What should you do if your credit history is less-than-stellar? Here are seven ways you can overcome your bad credit and still get that rental you’re looking for:

     1.  Be honest and show that you  have been making progress.  

Sometimes bad credit isn’t a reflection of poor money management.  Be upfront with a potential landlord before your credit is pulled.  Don’t make excuses and blame others. Landlords have heard all of the blame games.  If you are able to show a valid reason why your bills were not paid on time, such as divorce, health, job loss; but also show that it was a temporary situation and show how you have been able to get back on your financial feet, you may have a better chance of getting approved.

     2.  Find a guarantor or co-signer     

Ask a trusted friend or relative with good credit to co-sign the rental application with you.  While you may be the only one living in the home or apartment, your co-signer will be financially responsible if you do not pay your rent.  This may give the potential landlord the extra security that he needs to feel comfortable with renting to you.

Of course, you really don’t want your co-signer having to pay your rent, so be sure that you not over obligate yourself to a rent amount that you can’t comfortably afford.

rental agreement
Co-signer for rental agreement

     3.  Pay in advance or increase your security deposit

Bad credit and especially a consistent bad credit history makes a landlord nervous because it indicates that your actions in the past may be repeated, such as defaulting on the rent payments or not paying on time.  By paying a month or more in advance or offering a two-month security deposit, you can possibly alleviate their concerns. Not only does this show your commitment, it also provides them with extra cash that can cover some of the losses and damages, should you skip out on the rent. (Which, of course, you won’t.)

     4.  Get a roommate

Willing to share your space such as kitchen, living room?  If so, a roommate may be a great solution.  If the landlord will allow just one person to sign the lease, see if your roommate is willing to sign it solo. (Alternately, try to move-in with a roommate who’s mid-lease.) This way, the person on the lease is the one with more solid credit.

The other benefit to having a roommate is sharing the utilities.  Saving money will help you to pay down your debts and helping to repair your credit.

     5.  Show solid income and offer to pay via direct deposit

Even if your credit is a little weak, your landlord may feel better if you can show that you have history with a full-time job with good pay.

When applying for an apartment, have proof of income ready, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns and a letter from your employer verifying your employment status and income. Offering to have your rent automatically deducted from your bank account can also help.

     6.  Be willing to pay a little more

Some landlords, even if you are renting from a property management company may charge additional “risk” fees for shaky credit and poor credit scores.  You may want to step up and pay more if you really love the home or have to move in a hurry.

If you are dealing with an individual, you may want to negotiate to pay a higher amount so that your application is not denied.

pay more for renting with bad credit.jpg
Lower credit scores mean higher interest and rental payments.

     7.  Letters of recommendation

Just as your would provide a letter of recommendation for a job, provide one for a potential landlord too.  Ask for letters from current and previous employers, current and previous landlords, and even past roommates who can vouch for your character. Even if your previous landlords were only for short-term arrangements, their endorsement can hold weight.

Children, Tweens, Teens and Money Things

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With all the information that children receive at school, t.v., internet, friends, family and reading; getting an education in finances, credit and saving doesn’t seem to be an area that they are learning or applying to their life.

A recent Capital One 360 poll found that 87% of young people between the ages of 12 to 17 reported knowing at least an average amount about managing finances.  Or not.  According to the study, it also found that 24% of them think a debit card is used to borrow cash.

teens learning about money
Teens and money

 

A Charles Schwab poll found that fewer than a third of teens understand how credit card interest works and four in 10 can’t budget.

Talk to your teen about financial responsibility. Does your money-talk with your teen begin with, “How much do your need?”  If so, this may indicate that there is a need for more understanding to becoming financially responsible and independent.  The more that you talk to your child or teens about money, the better financially prepared they will be as they go off on their own.  It is important to challenge them to be responsible for their own financial actions, while the consequences are not as serious.  Learning to appreciate delayed gratification will set the foundation for the rest of their financial life.

money and children saving
Children and allowance

EARNING MONEY:   EARLY ELEMENTARY CHILDREN     To begin teaching financial responsibility, it is recommended that you start at a very early age. That age may vary depending on maturity and understanding.  It’s probably safe to assume that at or around the age of 5 would be a smart time to begin rewarding with an allowance.  A short list of ideas are listed for giving money for work performed younger children.  Do keep in mind that younger children may not do the best job on these tasks, but it’s about responsibility and learning.

  • Picking up toys
  • Feeding family pet
  • Collecting household garbage to be taken out by adult
  • Setting dinner table
  • Sweeping
  • Cleaning toilets
  • Tidying their bedroom

I do not personally recommend giving an allowance for the following, because these are not chores. These should be expected to be done without question.

  • Brushing teeth
  • Eating
  • Getting up and out for school and church on time
  • Schoolwork / Homework
  • Being respectful and minding adults, ie, being good during a photo-shoot should not be rewarded.  We need to be mindful about bribing our children for “good behavior”
  • Not being quarrelsome or talking back to parents
teen should I spend or save
Should a teen spend or save money?

EARNING MONEY:  TWEENS & TEENS:  According to CNN Money, there are 4.7 million teens with jobs this year -an increase from last year. According to datacenter.kidscount.org there were 73,583,618 teens less than the age of 18.  That means there are far more teens not working than working.  With that being said, teens and parents need to be creative when finding ways to earn money.  I have compiled of possible tasks:

  • Collecting recyclables
  • Hosting a garage sale
  • Yard work for neighbors or family
  • Housework for elderly or infirm neighbors
  • Helping neighbors with unloading groceries or clothes from car and putting away
  • Tutoring
  • Pet sitting or dog walking
  • Wash cars
  • Become a lifeguard
  • Babysitting
  • Mowing lawns
  • Become the neighborhood’s designated tech support
  • Organize a fun run
  • Driveway power washing
  • Garage cleaning and organizing
  • Assisting neighbors, church friends with getting seasonal decor from storage and putting back.  Maybe even helping to decorate, such as hanging outside lights.
  • Reselling online

Once your child has money, let’s start with giving back.  If you are teaching your children christian principles, teach them to set aside the very first 10% as tithe.  This is a great biblical teaching and teaches the promises of God.  The next amount set aside is 20% to be deposited into teen’s savings account, by the teen.  As a tween or teen, it is not too early to start a savings account at your local bank or credit union.  Be sure that the account accrues interest.

The 70% that remains should be spent wisely.  Many times your teen may want to purchase a pricey item such as a new cell phone or i-pad.  It may be beneficial to help with matching their contribution.  This will create better spending habits than using a credit card and having them repay it.  Once a teen has learned the art of patience, then introducing a credit card for certain purchases may be safe.

Children need to know how much items cost, from the cost of many grocery items to the clothes they wear.   They need to be taught the value in what you own and what they are being blessed with.  I can’t help but notice how teens throw away so many items of value.  We live in a disposable age where money is even devalued because things are too easy to replace.

A couple of years ago, a high-schooler on the girl’s softball team was not keeping up with her softball glove as they were loading the school bus.  Noticing that the glove was a very nice and pricey one, the coach called her to the side and already knowing what her answer would probably be, he asked, “Do you know how much that glove cost?”  She replied that she had no idea how much it cost, that her parents had purchased the glove for her.  The coach smiled and shook his head.  His point was reality.  Children usually do not place value on items when they were not taught to value them.

Teach your children to take care of what they have.  They may not get another one.  This still rings in my ears, for I heard it many times as a young child.  Because of this message, I still have several items from my childhood because I took care of them.  Many other childhood items I was able to later sell.

I will conclude this blog by saying that this is all about teaching financial responsibility.  Not about having such stringent rules that money becomes a headache and source of arguments.  I often talk to clients in their 20’s and early 30’s that admit they were never taught about budgeting and how to used credit wisely.  It probably has a lot to do with their parent’s not knowing how to teach what they didn’t know.

Do you have credit problems and would like to break the cycle and have a better future for you and your family?  Please call us.   The credit evaluation is always free.  We will need to review all three of your credit reports to give a complete evaluation but we can help you get them for $1.

Credit reports have mistatkes
reScore Solutions provides free credit report review.

Remember to lead and challenge your children by example.

Tweens Teens and Credit Cards

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Is your teen ready for a credit or debit card?  Financial education should begin as a very young age.  Don’t wait for your child to go away to college to learn about money management, credit and budgeting.  He or she should have a good concept about this before they pack their bags.  By all means, don’t arm your children with credit cards and no idea on how to handle it.  Understanding how credit works will help them avoid the trap of revolving credit.  Credit card companies are in the business of making money and keeping you in debt.

What to teach your teen:

  • What is a credit score.
  • How does credit affect me.
  • How do I keep tabs on my credit.
  • How do I protect my credit.
  • How to stay out of debt.
  • Don’t charge for items that you don’t have the money to pay for.
  • Don’t buy what you don’t need.  Credit means debt.  Debt means money that you will have to pay someone until you pay it off.
  • Help your child learn to save for what they want.  This is important to start at a very early age.
  • Teach and assist your child to set a standard for automatic saving.  Like 1/3 allowance and 1/2 of all birthday gifts.
Teaching your tween and teen responsible credit and budgeting.
Teaching your tween and teen responsible credit and budgeting.

As our children are growing up it is imperative that we teach them to be responsible with their finances.  Your teenager is more mobile and you may find that it’s important that they have access to funds in case of emergency or otherwise.  There are  options and a parent needs to consider if their child is responsible enough to be in control of a credit or debit card.  Let’s look over some of the different options to help in making a decision.

 

 

1.  Prepaid cards are a hybrid breed.  Just because it is called a prepaid credit card and works like a credit card does not make it a credit card.  These are cards that are reloadable and works like a debit card.  You choose the amount that you want to load on the card, use it like a debit card and it deducts the amount from your balance.  You can then reload and continue to use.  Being that these cards are associated with major credit card networks, American Express, Visa, Mastercard, these prepaid cards can be used anywhere the major credit cards can be used, whether it’s to purchase groceries, shopping at the mall, paying bills, or online shopping.  This card is ideal for tweens and teens.  No worry for over-drafting checking accounts or being accessed over-the-limit fees with credit cards.  Prepaid cards are an alternative to banks.  There are millions of people that do not want to use banks or traditional credit.  Although these cards are not connected to a checking account, it still allows you to things that require a credit card, such as rent a car or book a hotel room.  With many teens with a part-time job, cards even come with a checking and routing number so that a teen could have their check directly deposited onto the card.  Many prepaid cards offer features to be able to access funds at an ATM.  You also have the option of loading their allowance on the card.  Prepaid fees.  Be prepared to be charged with fees with a prepaid card. Each prepaid card comes with it’s own fee structure. Be sure and find a card that best fits your needs.  You are protected.  Prepaid cards offer the same theft and loss protection that major credit cards offer.  Which makes this a pretty safe bet.

Children and credit cards. How to stay out of debt.
Children and credit cards. How to stay out of debt.

2.  Store card / major credit card.  While credit cards have a credit limit and you are able to use the card until the limit is exhausted.  Credit card companies may extend additional credit at a cost of an over-the-limit fee.  Eve with a credit card, it is important to keep tabs on your spending.  With interest rates charges it may become very difficult to get out of debt.  No one wants to head off to college in credit card debt and parents should not be left to clean up their teens out of control spending.  Choosing between a store card or credit card may be a challenge when trusting your tween or teen to spend sensible and not send you soaring into uneeded debt.  If you feel that your teen has not shown financial responsibility with their money and allowance, then you may want to rethink handing them a card to carry on a full-time basis.  You may choose to allow them to use the major credit card on a temporary basis and for particular purposes and allowing the to view the invoices and pay the payments.  Also educated them to understand the reality of charging and paying with money they earn from their job or allowance.  Although there are fees for reloadable prepaid cards, there are over-the-limit fees for many credit cards.  Just being charged one $39 over-the-limit fee is a large amount compared to prepaid card fees.

Teens learn from their parents money management.  By gradually graduating their freedom to using your credit cards you will be able to build good spending habits and trust.

So while there are differences in choosing a card, education and holding your teen responsible for their spending is the answer.   

 

 

Obtaining a mortgage loan with poor credit.

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Do you have poor or weak credit but would like to purchase a home?  You may have been told that it’s not possible. You may have applied for credit and was denied and now you are convinced that obtaining a mortgage loan is not possible.  Well, it may be more possible than you think..  Of course your credit will need some attention. Kirkpatrick & Associates specializes in getting our clients lender-ready, but of course we will work with clients for most any purpose.

A lender qualifies a borrower based on a credit history and credit scores.  There are three major credit reporting agencies; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.  You score ranges roughly between 500 and 850.  Lenders most often receive FICO scores, which are not the same scores or based on the same scoring models as the scores a person purchases or receives from the credit reporting agencies.  I recommend FICO.com to obtain the same scores that lenders get.  There are three scoring models for FICO scores.  Mortgage, revolving credit and auto loans.  They provide all three scoring models.

Bad credit loans
Home Sweet Home

 

EDUCATIONAL LOANS:  Once educational loans are being paid current it is possible to qualify for a mortgage, even if delinquent payments are being reported from the past.

CREDIT CARDS:  These payments need to be current and no late payments in the past 12 months.  Some lenders will allow a letter from consumer, explaining late credit card payments.  Credit cards balances need to be paid to below 19% of the credit limit.  IE:  $1,000 limit should have a balance of $190 or less.  Paying credit cards down will improve credit scores.

BANKRUPTCY:  A consumer can technically qualify for a mortgage two years after a bankruptcy.  3 years if the Bankruptcy included a foreclosure.  Do keep in mind that credit has to be rebuilt during this time period.

LIENS AND JUDGMENTS:  These must be paid and showing satisfied with all credit reporting agencies that are reporting these on your credit reports.  Just because they are paid doesn’t mean they are reporting paid.  If this is an issue, this is a service that we can assist you with.  Call us at 205-352-3448

CHARGE-OFFS:  These may or may not need to be paid to qualify for a mortgage.  If there is one charge-off and otherwise good credit, then you may not have to pay.  If the charge-off is old and under a certain dollar amount, it may not have to be satisfied to qualify.  Worse case situation, you can contact the original or 3rd party debt collector and work out a settlement.  They may not remove it from your credit report, but it will show that it was paid, and thus helping you to qualify for a loan.  This can be a confusing process and we recommend that you call us when handling these situations.

MEDICAL COLLECTIONS;  Many times all medical collections do not need to be paid to qualify.  We at Kirkpatrick & Associates can help with this.  We specialize in helping with 3rd party collections.  If you are receiving too many or unwanted phone calls, we can stop the collectors from calling.

RENTAL HISTORY:  Yes, a potential borrow can use rental history for credit when applying for a home loan, even when it’s not reflecting on your credit reports.  Be sure and pay rental payments on time.  Mortgage underwriters will require your rental history.

SELF-EMPLOYED OR 1099:  You will need two years work history.  Check with your lender for their guidelines.  These can vary between lenders.

Do keep in mind that after taking care of all of these areas on your credit, you must have good accounts reporting on all of your credit reports.  You credit score must be at least 580 for some lenders and 620 for others and 640 for most any lender.  If you score is between 580 and 639 be prepared to have a larger down payment.  A down payment is usually 3 to 3-1/2%.  A lower credit score would require a much higher percentage for down payment.  Please note:  Do not depend on the scores from Credit Karma or any other 3rd party credit score service that does not specifically provide FICO scores.

We, at ReScore Solutions eat, think and obsess over credit related stuff.  We would love to help you through the credit maze.  It can be confusing and intimidating when trying to deal with credit related matters and paying collections.  We view your credit reports for any violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  While you are spending time with your family we are working hard for you.

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Know Your Rights When Shopping for Credit

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Ready to purchase a car or mortgage?  Shopping around for a great rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan, not to mention that some banks charge application fees where credit unions usually to never charge extra fees.  Credit unions can be a great source of lower interest rates and easier qualifications for getting the loan.

When shopping for great rates and services ask as many questions as possible before having your credit reports pulled.  These are considered “hard” pulls and will lower your FICO scores.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act protects you when dealing with obtaining new credit with anyone who regularly offers credit.  This includes banks, finance companies, stores, credit card companies and credit unions.  When you apply for new credit, a creditor may NOT:

Credit rights
Applying for credit?  Know your rights.

1.  Ask about your marital status or your spouse, unless you are applying for a joint account or relying on your spouse’s income, or you live in a community property state.  ( Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington or Wisconsin)

2.  Ask you if you plan to have children or if you plan to raise children.

3.  Ask about or consider your race, sex, religion or national origin.

4.  Refuse to consider public assistance income or regularly received alimony or  child support as income.

5.  Refuse to consider income because of our sex or marital status or because it is from part-time work or retirement benefits.

You have the right to:
1.  Have credit in your first name, birth name,and your spouse/ partner’s last name, or your first name and a combined last name.

2.  If a co-signer is necessary, it can be someone other than your spouse.

3.  After you change your name you can keep your own accounts or marital status or retire, unless the creditor has evidence you are unable or unwilling to pay.

4.  Know why a credit application was rejected.  The creditor must give you the specific reasons or tell you where and how you can get them if you ask within 60 days.  Once you receive the letter from the creditor, the letter usually will inform you of your FICO credit score and give you reasons why you were turned down.  The letter will also state which credit reporting agency the creditor requested your credit reports.  You have the right to contact that credit reporting agency and request a copy of your complete credit report so that you can review it for any inaccuracies.

5.  You have the right to have accounts shared with your spouse reported in both your names.

6.  You have the right to know how much it will cost to borrow money.

7.  YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO A FREE ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT .   You can request these once every 12 months.  When denied credit you are entitled to an additional, free, credit report from the credit reporting agency that the creditor requested your credit report.

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