At this point I had a 2001 BK7 on all three credit reports, 4 TLs reporting IIB, 3 judgments that were IIB, FCNB Visa CO, Sterling Bank MC CO, 4 collection TLs, Student loan default (obsolete). I think thats it. As you can see I had a mess going on. I was so frustrated and disappointed when it hit me that I may not be able to enjoy home ownership if i didn't do something. I knew I had a long ride ahead of me and I knew it would all start with my credit reports. I made some major mistakes in the past financially and believe it or not I was still messing after my BK7.
I became inspired to change my situation by any means necessary (within the law of course). One of the first things I did aside from buying a nice journal was to surf the Internet looking for any information I could find that would help me to turn my financial situation around. While surfing the Internet for credit repair tips, I found CB. What a blessing!!. I started reading the forums and was instantly hooked. I mean I would stay up all day reading and read all night while I was at work. I was so excited to get started but I couldn't stop reading long enough to start. After spending about a week just reading and reading and reading some more. I finally came up with a game plan and was read to start. I loved all the step by step instructions and the resources on CB are invaluable. I mean you even get the letters drafted for you. How sweet is that!!! I was really shy about battling the CRA and CA but hearing other members stories and successes I felt so empowered. I realize now, I felt that way because I was educated and I felt confident that I could handle any scenario they (CRA,CA,OC) threw at me, and I did!!
The support and answers I got from this board made all the difference in my results. My original FICOs were all in the low 500s. After a few months of disputing like crazy, I got an Orchard Card and continued to clean my reports. I used every process mentioned on here from PFD to VOD. I managed to get all 3 CRA to delete the BK7, all judgments were deleted, student loan GONE! FCNB deleted. Sterling deleted from all except TU which the TL is noted "consumer disputes". 2 IIB TL deleted, still have 2 that will fall off 6/06. I have also acquired not only the Orchard card but a Patelco LOC, and drumrollll I got preapproved for a mortgage on 1/6/05, put an offer on a townhouse on 1/14/05, offer was accepted on 1/18/05 and closed on 2/7/05, been on a high every since then......AND I'm loving my new place, no more renting for me ever again!!!
If the advice on this board is followed it works like a charm in most cases. I am a prime example of that. You have to be organized and consistent. The most important is to follow up!! When my scores started climbing it motivated me even more so I soldiered on. Heck, I felt like a expert at doing this so naturally I am not going to stop until I hit the 700+ club.
Originally I thought if I could only get my scores up enough to buy a house I would be satisfied but Ive learned so much from CB that there is no way I'm gonna stop now. When you know better in most cases you'll do better. I am definitely doing better because of the information here. I can even come here to get 401K advice and money management tips. CB is one stop shopping, better then a super Walmart LOL!!!
To all the beginners and those who have been at it and come across obstacles, keep at it. It wont happen over night but it will happen if you stay at it. It took me from 4/24/04 to 1/6/05 to turn my scores around and qualify for a mortgage. Ive set another goal to get my scores to 700 and in 2 years I am going to refinance.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!!!
so yes theres light at the end of the tunnel
