Expert Real Estate Tips

What Will Canceling Credit Cards Do To My Credit Score?

Wed, 06 May 2009 10:18:45 PST

Which credit cards should you cancel to have the least negative impact on your credit score? Canceling old credit cards that you don't use anymore shouldn't have too much of an effect on your credit score as long as the remaining cards are kept to a balance below 50% of your available credit. Your credit score will be higher if you are using and repaying credit, rather than just holding onto some old credit cards. Play video

Should You Use A Credit Monitoring Service?

Tue, 05 May 2009 14:51:18 PST

Do you need a credit monitoring service? You can pull your credit report once a year for free from each of the three credit reporting bureaus from AnnualCreditReport.com, but you might want to monitor your credit more frequently. If you feel that you are at risk for identity theft, your personal information has been compromised, or you just want to keep an eye on your credit score, you might want to use a credit monitoring service. With a credit monitoring service you should be able to see your credit report and credit score, be notified when any changes occur, and depending on the service, freeze and unfreeze your credit file. Play video

What Kind of Accounts are on Your Credit File?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:02:53 PST

Ever wonder what magical formula credit reporting bureaus use to figure out your credit score? It's not random, certain accounts are on your credit file and other accounts aren't. Things like utility payments and gambling debts aren't on your credit history, but anything from a financial institution or court system will be on your credit file. Watch this video from Expert Real Estate Tips for more insight into what's on your credit report and how your credit score is calculated. Play video

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft With a Credit Freeze

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:07:12 PST

A proactive way to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit file with the three credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Freezing your credit file means no one can open a new account. It does not close your exisitng lines of credit, but it means that no one can open a new credit account or line of credit. If you're young and trying to open lines of credit to establish your credit history you probably don't want to freeze your credit file. However, seniors who don't need to open more lines of credit and maybe have paid off their mortgage can consider freezing their credit to prevent possible identity theft. Also, consider freezing your credit if you think your personal information was compromised and you're at risk for identity theft. Play video

How To Detect Credit Problems and Identity Theft

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:09:05 PST

Do you know what is on your credit report? One of the first signs of identity theft is false information or mistakes on your credit report. Get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com from each of the three credit reporting bureaus once a year. Check your credit report for accuracy, and look for suspicious information that can suggest identity theft. Consider using a credit monitoring service to protect yourself against identity theft. This will help keep an eye on your credit history all the time, rather than only once a year by pulling your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Play video

How To Keep Your Identity and Credit History Safe

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:33:01 PST

Who is responsible for protecting your identity and credit history? Only you are responsible for making sure your personal information is safe. The best way to protect your credit is to check your credit regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you discover any errors or mistakes, report the errors immediately so the banks and credit reporting bureaus can help resolve your credit disputes. If you do want to hire a credit monitoring service, make sure you use a service that will help prevent fraud, protect your personal information, and resolve any disputes. Play video

Identity Theft and Credit History Damage

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:10:05 PST

Identity theft can happen when your personal information is stolen to open up new lines of credit. Identity thieves commonly use your name, address, social security number and mother's maiden name to create fake identities. Eventually, you will be held responsible for these accounts that you didn't know existed. The long-term damage to your credit history from identity theft can be more damaging than the short-term effects. Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips video on Identity Theft for more information on how to protect yourself from identity theft. Play video

What is a Stated Income Loan?

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:46:47 PST

What is a stated income loan or no doc loan? Mortgage lenders require a property appraisal and good credit score among other items to qualify for a stated income loan. What are the benefits and who can qualify for this type of loan? Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips segment to learn more about what mortgage lenders require for a stated income loan. Play video

How Credit Scores Impact Mortgage Applications

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:42:21 PST

How do credit scores impact mortgage applications? Credit scores measure debt and your ability to pay back loans Especially today, your credit score will determine your mortgage and interest rate. What credit score should you have and how can you improve your credit score and get the best interest rate for your mortgage? Watch this Expert Real Estate Tips segment for information on credit scores, mortgage applications, and how to improve your credit score and credit history. Play video