Tag Archives: credit report

Don’t Forget to Ask for a Consumer Credit Report

by Samantha Chelette, Buyers Agent on October 5, 2010 in Blog

When obtaining your credit report be sure that you request a consumer report. These reports are simplified and designed for the average consumer, and are less confusing than the reports which are sent to lenders. Your credit report will likely contain four sections, including personal information, credit history, public records, and inquiries.

Personal Information-When looking over the documents, first be sure that your personal information is accurate. There may be minor spelling mistakes in your name or address, for example, or information about previous loans from old addresses. Overall the information should be accurate, and contain no information which does not pertain to you, or looks as if it might be fraudulent.

Credit History-The second section of the report is the most important. This will include information about the credit accounts you hold with institutions that report to that particular agency. It should include the account numbers, the name of the creditor, the amount of the loan, the type, the rate, the outstanding amount, and the amount of any fixed payments you make. It will also include information about any credit accounts you may hold with other people. While each report may not be complete, it is important that what is included be accurate.

Public Records-This is the section that you prefer to be blank. It includes reports on such things as bankruptcies, judgments, and tax liens. Again, it is important that you ensure that this section is accurate.

Inquiries-This section includes information about any credit applications you have made or offers you have received. Overall, this section is usually ignored by potential lenders, but it is important to check it for accuracy.

Screening Your Renters

by Shannon Register, Broker/Owner on November 17, 2009 in Blog

When landlords need to find renters for their investment properties, they call me to list those properties so they can find prospective renters without any hassle.  Sometimes they ask me to help them screen those rental applications.  As a Realtor, it is not ethical for me to screen the applicants, only to present them to the landlord.  The rental decision has to be that of  the landlord.  However, if you are a landlord and have rental applications you need to screen before renting your property, there is a company that might be able to help you.  I point my investor clients to Nextstep Tenant Screening located in Katy, Texas.  This is a company that offers:

  • Equifax Reports
  • Fico Scores
  • Nationwide Criminal
  • Nationwide Eviction
  • SSN Validation

They are members of Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax.  If you need help screening for your rental properties you can contact them by email at sales@nextstep-online.net or 800.516.0734.