FICO 600 How do I raise this ?

Do you have any revolving accounts (credit cards) that are over half the balance at the moment? If you do pay them down below half right now. Is there a negative item reporting that you have proof should not be? How many inquiries do you have? Feel free to contact me. 866-974-6736 x137. Thanks, Jake

Improving your credit scoresIt's important to note that raising your FICO credit score is a bit like being on a diet and trying to lose weight: It takes time and there is no quick fix. In fact, quick-fix efforts can backfire. The best advice is to manage credit responsibly over a period of time. Here are a few quick tips to consider.Payment History TipsoPay your bills on time.Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO score. oIf you have missed payments, get current and stay current.The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your credit score. oBe aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your credit report.It will stay on your report for seven years. **Often this can lower your credit score as the payment becomes a current derogatory item!!oIf you are having trouble making ends meet, contact your creditors or see a legitimate credit counselor.This won't improve your credit score immediately, but if you can begin to manage your credit and pay on time, your score will get better over time. Amounts Owed TipsoKeep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit".High outstanding debt can affect a credit score. Try to keep balance at 50% or less of maximum available credit.oPay off debt rather than moving it around.The most effective way to improve your credit score in this area is by paying down your revolving credit. In fact, owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your score. oDon't close unused credit cards as a short-term strategy to raise your score. oDon't open a number of new credit cards that you don't need, just to increase your available credit.This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit score. Length of Credit History TipsoIf you have been managing credit for a short time, don't open a lot of new accounts too rapidly.New accounts will lower your average account age, which will have a larger effect on your score if you don't have a lot of other credit information. Also, rapid account buildup can look risky if you are a new credit user. New Credit TipsoDo your rate shopping for a given loan within a focused period of time.FICO scores distinguish between a search for a single loan and a search for many new credit lines, in part by the length of time over which inquiries occur. This time frame is typically 10 days for a mortgage.oRe-establish your credit history if you have had problems.Opening new accounts responsibly and paying them off on time will raise your credit score in the long term. oNote that it's OK to request and check your own credit report.This won't affect your score, as long as you order your credit report directly from the credit reporting agency or through an organization authorized to provide credit reports to consumers. Types of Credit Use TipsoApply for and open new credit accounts only as needed.Don't open accounts just to have a better credit mix - it probably won't raise your credit score. oHave credit cards - but manage them responsibly.In general, having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will raise your credit score. Someone with no credit cards, for example, tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsibly. oNote that closing an account doesn't make it go away.A closed account will still show up on your credit report, and may be considered by the score. Please feel free to call me with questions at 520-907-3225. Best of luck, Sandy

Ray, remember that the biggest components to your credit score are your credit card balance-to-limit ratio (35% of your score), and your payment history (30% of your score). Since you can't do anything about payment history except dispute incorrect items, the quickest fix is your credit card balances - 10% or less of your limit is optimal, then 30%, but definitely get below 50% of your balances. Visit http://www.homeloansinutah.com/forms/askAnExpert.htmland request my special credit scoring handbook (mention Lender 411 in the request), or you can find my other reports in the Free Reports tab at www.homeloansinutah.com.

Hi Ray,There are some very simple things you can do to raise your score, check them out at the home of the "FICO Score" at http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/Once you check out the site, give me a call at 888-PierWest(743-7937) X 701 and I will go over purchase and financing options with you.Best,Matt DavisPier West CapitalMatt@pierwestcapital.com

This FTC link may be of help to you. You'll need to copy and paste in your browser address bar. ..... Happy funding, Rudihttp://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre03.shtm