Order of importance for credit clean up; buying house

[klnell]

My husband I are wanting to buy a house and need to clean up our credit report. We had our credit union pull our reports... The mortgage person has told us that there's some more recent activity (derogatory) that's causing problems for their underwriters. However, there's plenty of older accounts some closed some not that add to the problem.

I've read many threads here that address the steps and I've begun that process. But, my question is which will make the most sense, given that we're wanting to close on a house (to take advantage of the tax credit) by Dec 1. Do we start by asking for deletion on everything or work on the most recent my husband's mid score is 545 and mine is 527 (if that's accurate). We need to bring those mid scores to at least 660.

Forgive me if I'm asking something already asked...I tried to find a thread for this but, couldn't, sorry.

[CourtneysMoM]

Hi, I am in the same boat as you and I am starting the process of the 1-2 punch! I would have the CRAs verify the info before PFD but if they verify I am also going to try to just pay! They have some wonderful info under the beginners section.

I am in the same situation as you as just thought I would tell you were I am starting and hope that I may of helped in someway!

Keep everyone updated on your progress, and I think it is possible to get to the 660 with alot of persistance and a little luck:D

[chane]

It's not going to be easy to get to 660 by December, that's a huge increase, but I've seen it happen before.

As far as where to start, I agree with CourtneysMoM. Start with the 1-2 punch. Be persistent, not impatient. Make sure you wait the exact amount of days before disputing again. I would start with addresses and older accounts first. More recent accounts should be disputed later.

[klnell]

Chane, you said leave the recent accounts alone for right now...at what age should an account be to do the 1 2 punch?

[chane]

Originally Posted by klnell

Chane, you said leave the recent accounts alone for right now...at what age should an account be to do the 1 2 punch?

There is no specific age. I just dispute the addresses, old accounts, then new accounts, then bankruptcy or any other public records in that order. I usually don't dispute more than a few items per dispute.

This is just how I do it. I've seen people dispute everything at once and get 10-15 things taken off at once, but I think that is too much.

[klnell]

Originally Posted by chane

There is no specific age. I just dispute the addresses, old accounts, then new accounts, then bankruptcy or any other public records in that order.

Got it! So, what's "old" in your viewpoint?

[chane]

Originally Posted by klnell

Got it! So, what's "old" in your viewpoint?

There is no set amount of time. I just go oldest to newest. Don't over think it. lol