If you’ve ever experienced financial problems in the past then the chances are that any mistakes you’ve made (whether you know you’ve made them or not!) will be recorded on your credit record. In many cases these mistakes will occur as a result of financial problems you may have experienced – but often you can get a bad credit history without really doing anything wrong.

The majority of problems that will give you a bad credit record will happen if you have problems managing your finances. So, if you miss a credit card payment, default on your mortgage, are declared bankrupt or are given a CCJ (county Court Judgement) against you for one reason or another then this will all show up on your credit rating, for example. These kinds of issues will all count as negatives.

But, other issues can give you bad marks on your credit rating. For example, simple factors like your marital status and whether you have children can give you plus or minus points. The fact is that it isn’t just what you do with your money that comes up on your credit rating – you can have a rating that is less than perfect from a lender’s point of view even if you have never had a financial problem before in your life!
(more…)

Can a bad credit rating save you from bigger problems? Hasn’t it done just that for many young people? I’ll explain how with a couple true stories.

Good Credit Rating Story

My friend started his adult years with good credit. Soon he was able to get credit cards at will, as well as finance cars, snowmobiles and more. He made the payments, and went deeper and deeper into debt while he was at it. When he was 30 years old, he had over $20,000 in credit card debt, plus loans on cars and business tools.

Eventually it was just too much to handle. After considering bankruptcy, he was convinced that the credit card companies would reduce his balance due if he just threatened to declare bankruptcy. However, he had to stop paying on the cards, or the credit card companies wouldn’t believe he was in financial trouble. He did this, and then drafted a nice letter to the companies, explaining his situation. Most cut at least 30% off what he owed, but he had to pay the remaining balances immediately, which he did with a home equity loan.
(more…)

Various home loan programs are intended especially for homebuyers with less than perfect credit. To find a good home loan with poor credit, it is essential to choose the right lender or broker. Many new homebuyers are unfamiliar with different types of mortgages. Therefore, many assume that a down payment is required, and bad credit makes it impossible to get approved. However, many lenders offer 100% mortgage financing on bad credit loans.

How to Get Approved with Bad Credit

Getting a home loan with bad credit is not very hard. In fact, each day homebuyers are approved with low credit scores. The secret to finding a bad credit home loan is applying with lenders that specialize in these sorts of loans.

Subprime mortgage lenders have a range of home loans designed for bad credit applicants. These consist of loans that offer down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, loans for the self-employed, etc. Rather than applying with a mortgage company or bank, buyers should request quotes from subprime lenders. In most cases, the rates and terms are better.
(more…)

100% financing of a bad credit mortgage can help you buy a house with little cash due at closing. Even with an adverse credit score, you can start building home equity and wealth with your new home purchase. To get approved for such subprime mortgages, take a look at your credit report. Stack the odds in your favor by increasing your qualifications. And finally, search for the right lender online.

Take Stock Of Your Credit Situation

With poor credit, you can’t afford to have mistakes in your credit report. Before applying for a home loan, go over a copy of your report and make sure all your information is accurate. You can get a free copy of your report online through many sites.

If you plan to secure financing in the next few months, don’t open or close any additional accounts. Such activity will only lower your score – at least for a short time. Instead, focus on spreading your debt across accounts or eliminating it.
(more…)