Data Facts Lending Solutions Blog

This article was originally posted at Washington's Top News by U.S. News and World Report, and can be accessed here.

If you’re one of the 800,000 federal employees who are not getting paid during the government shutdown, you’re in a tough spot, for sure.

Most likely, you’ve morphed into survival mode, which may or may not include thinking about your credit score. I totally get that. But what if I told you it’s possible to get through this with an (almost) intact credit score?

Topics: credit cards, credit history, medical debt, Credit Report

 In light of the Equifax security breach, consumers are concerned about their credit report. Advice is everywhere on how to handle this issue. Regardless of whether or not you decide to freeze your credit, you need to CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT!

So, what do we mean by that? What are you supposed to be checking?

As a leading mortgage lending services provider, here are our suggestions:

While pulling your credit report at least once a year is very good advice, a person needs to know what to look for when reviewing their information.

You can actually check your credit 3 times a year at no charge.

Goto www.annualcreditreport.com which is a website sponsored by the three credit bureaus. You can pull one bureau once a year for free. Simply enter your information and order a one-bureau credit file.

Then what? 

Start with these tips to make certain you understand the information on your credit report:

Topics: Data Facts blog, wordpress blog, Data Facts, Credit Score, Collection accounts, Collections, credit cards, credit history, mortgage lending services

December is a time for families and friends to come together over the holidays. However, the last month of the year can also be a big budget buster that can leave you broke and in debt if you aren’t careful.

We have created a breakdown of mistakes smart people make over the holidays that result in January being hard to bear. Avoiding these actions can help you make certain you roll into January with some money left in your pocket and your credit score intact.

Topics: Data Facts blog, wordpress blog, Credit Score, finances, credit cards, Holiday tips, credit history, Budget

In today’s financial climate, it is becoming more evident by utilizing bundled services from a single provider Lenders will be able to serve clients more effectively, profitably and will emerge as industry leaders.

Why should you bundle services? First of all, one vendor equals fewer headaches. It standardizes operations and saves time. You don’t have to call, email and wait for responses from multiple vendors. Secondly, it builds a stronger relationship. This makes for a more positive overall experience. Lastly, it helps you to stay in compliance. Compliance is ALWAYS a top priority. Bundling services minimizes the risk of being out of compliance by having all your paperwork from ONE source. Your chosen vendor should be constantly providing compliance information for your records.

Topics: Data Facts blog, Identity theft 2012, Identity theft, FCRA, wordpress blog, Data Facts, Mortgage loan, Mortgage, Credit Score, Mortgage compliance, mortgage fraud, AVM's, Improve Credit Score, credit cards, credit history, Automated Valuation Model, Compliance, mortgage news

Want to save thousands of dollars on all your biggest purchases?  Then there’s only one thing you need to do: MAINTAIN GOOD CREDIT

Today's economy runs on credit. If you want to get a mortgage loan for a house, or a student loan to pay for college, or if you simply want to purchase lunch, or gas on a credit card, somewhere a company is extending credit to you based on your creditworthiness.  Your “creditworthiness” is defined by your three-digit credit score and is the key to your financial life.  

Topics: credit reports, Credit Score, Improve Credit Score, credit cards, credit history

Confucius say: Beware scorned spouse with shared credit.

Maybe the Chinese thinker and philosopher didn't actually say those lines, but he should have. Your credit sits on dangerous ground when you and your spouse decide to split up.

Topics: Identity theft, credit reports, divorce, credit history

A recent study conducted by the Consumer Federation of America and VantageScore Solutions found that 18-34 year-olds are far less informed than all other adult Americans on credit knowledge and understanding.  Only 6% could accurately pick out the factors that actually impact a credit score, and less than half of all millennials have ever even bothered to order a copy of their free credit report.

Topics: credit checks, credit reports, Millennials, Mortgage, Credit Score, Improve Credit Score, credit cards, credit history, Credit Bureau

Looking for a credit card? If so, you’ll need to shop around. Do some research to compare costs, features and drawbacks before settling on a single card.

Topics: Data Facts blog, lending solutions, Credit Score, finances, credit cards, credit history, FICO

You’ve gone to your lender and been approved for a home mortgage. You’ve found the home of your dreams. But just when you are about to close, the lender says you are no longer approved. What happened?

Topics: Data Facts blog, wordpress blog, Data Facts, Mortgage, lending solutions, Credit Score, Mortgage compliance, finances, credit cards, credit history, Compliance, Credit Bureau, mortgage news, FICO

Establishing a good credit history has never been as important as it is today. It's not just that you'll need good credit to get decent rates when you're ready to buy a home or a car. Your credit history can determine whether you get a good job, a decent apartment or reasonable rates on insurance. One seemingly minor misstep -- a late payment, maxing out your credit cards, applying for too much credit at once -- can haunt you for years. If you're just starting out, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a credit history the right way. Here's what to do, and what to avoid.

Topics: credit checks, credit reports, Credit Score, credit cards, credit history, Credit Bureau, FICO