CreditFixGuy

Just because a collection shows up today doesn’t mean it’s new. Debt collectors love re-aging accounts, making it seem like you still owe something from years ago. This tactic can wreck your score—and it's not legal when done incorrectly.

Sometimes a debt that should’ve disappeared magically reappears as if it’s brand new. This isn’t an accident—it’s a tactic. Debt buyers and collectors often “re-age” accounts to extend their time on your credit report.

If a negative account has passed the 7-year mark from the Date of First Delinquency (DOFD), it no longer belongs on your credit report. But most people never check that date.

Some debt collectors reset the clock on purpose to keep accounts on your report longer than the law allows. This episode explains what re-aging is, how to spot it, and how to dispute it.

Some debt collectors illegally reset the clock on your old accounts to keep them on your credit report longer. But the law is clear: seven years from the Date of First Delinquency is the limit. This episode shows you how to fight back using that rule.

Debt buyers don’t just buy old accounts—they try to make them look new again. If you’ve ever seen a collection suddenly reappear with a “new” date, it’s not always a mistake. Many times, it’s a tactic. This episode explains how debt buyers illegally re-age accounts, what the Date of First Delinquency (DOFD) really means, and how this shady practice can keep an old debt on your credit report longer than the law allows

If your credit report is showing detailed account history—like payment dates, balances, charge-off amounts, or when a debt was sold—they didn’t just pull that out of thin air. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Metro 2 guidelines, they are required to ensure that every detail reported is 100% accurate and verifiable.

Getting pre-approved feels like a win—and it is. But don’t stop there. Your mortgage is just one piece of a much bigger financial puzzle. To really win, you’ve got to make sure the rest of your credit profile supports long-term success, not just a one-time approval.

Deleting negative accounts is only part of the process. The real goal is to build a complete, healthy credit profile that proves you're responsible and worthy of trust. If all you do is remove the bad, you're still missing half the picture.

Too many people think credit repair is a shot in the dark, like writing a letter and hoping for the best. But the truth is, this isn’t wishful thinking. This is a game of strategy. And like any game, the ones who win are the ones who understand the rules and play smarter than the other side.

People hear "credit report" and think numbers—but it’s deeper than that. Your credit report is basically a resume. It tells a story about your financial habits, your reliability, and how you handle responsibility. Just like a job application, lenders use it to decide if they should trust you.

Credit isn’t just about having a good score—it’s about showing that you’ve been trusted before and handled that trust the right way. A solid credit report tells a story of experience. It shows lenders that you’ve had credit, managed it well, and proved you can be responsible over time.

Getting negative items deleted from your credit report is a powerful step—but it’s only part of the journey. Deletions remove the damage, but they don’t automatically prove that you’re responsible with credit. Lenders want to see more than a clean slate—they want to see experience.

Credit repair is more than just deleting the bad stuff. Yes, deletions are important. They wipe away the mistakes, clean up your report, and give your score room to grow. But here’s what most people miss: deletions don’t show that you’ve learned anything. They don’t prove you’re responsible—they just prove something was removed.

One of the biggest secrets to maintaining a strong credit score is simple: keep your balances low. It’s not just about paying your bills on time—it’s about how much of your available credit you’re actually using. That’s called credit utilization, and it makes up a big chunk of your score.

Here’s a little-known trick that can boost your credit score fast: pay your credit card before the statement closing date—not just by the due date. Why? Because what gets reported to the credit bureaus is the balance on your statement, not what you owe when your payment is due.

Most people only know about regular disputes—the ones where you go online and click a button to say something on your credit report is wrong. But Metro 2 letters are a whole different level. They’re not about arguing. They’re about proving the law wasn’t followed—and demanding action.

People often get confused between Metro 2 and 609 disputes, thinking they’re the same thing. They’re not. These are two completely different approaches to credit repair—and knowing the difference can help you choose the right tool for the job.

These two dispute strategies both deal with how credit bureaus verify information—but they work in very different ways. Understanding the difference can help you decide when and how to use each one.

These two methods are often confused, but they’re used in completely different ways and with different targets. Knowing when and how to use each one can make or break your credit repair results.

A Method of Verification (MOV) letter isn’t your first move—it’s your follow-up play after a credit bureau claims they’ve “verified” an account you disputed. It’s your way of saying, “Okay, show me how you verified it.”

A 609 letter is used when you want the credit bureaus to verify and prove that the information they’re reporting about you is accurate and legally documented. It’s based on Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which gives you the right to request the sources and documentation behind the information on your credit report.

Metro 2 letters are used when you want to challenge the way an account is being reported — not just whether it’s yours. These letters are based on a set of data reporting standards that all furnishers and credit bureaus are supposed to follow, and when they don’t, that’s your opportunity to demand deletion.

Goodwill letters are best used when a negative mark—like a late payment—did happen, but you’ve otherwise been a responsible borrower. You’re not claiming it’s inaccurate or disputing the entry. Instead, you’re respectfully asking the lender to remove the negative mark as a gesture of goodwill.

Most people jump straight into trying to delete the bankruptcy itself—but that’s not the smartest move. The smarter strategy is to first remove the trail it leaves behind.

Charge-offs that are more than three years old? That’s your window of opportunity.

People think charge-offs are permanent scars on their credit. But that’s just not true.

Getting approved for an apartment with bad credit isn’t impossible—it just takes a smarter approach and a little preparation.

No one said rebuilding your credit—or your life—would be easy. But if there’s one thing you need to hold onto, it’s this: things will get better, as long as you stay patient, stay persistent, and keep showing up.

Some things are better kept to yourself—especially when you're rebuilding your credit. The more you talk about your plans, the more pressure you add. The truth is, not everyone is rooting for you. Some people want to see if you’ll actually pull it off… and some quietly hope you won’t.

Buying a home is one of the biggest moves you’ll ever make. But too many people jump into the process blind—and it costs them. If you take time to prepare now, you’ll save money, avoid stress, and boost your approval odds. Here are 10 things you need to understand before you even fill out a mortgage application.

Finding out you have a collection account right before closing on your new home can feel like a nightmare—but it doesn’t have to ruin the deal. There are ways to handle it smartly and protect your approval. Here’s how to manage it without panicking.

A single late payment can feel like a deal-breaker when you're close to closing on a house—but it doesn’t have to be. The key is acting fast, staying calm, and working strategically with your lender.

The loan officer you choose can make or break your home buying experience. You're not just looking for someone to approve your loan—you need someone who can guide you, fight for the best terms, and keep things moving smoothly until closing.

Hiring the right home inspector is just as important as choosing the right home. Don’t just go with the first name your agent gives you—take the time to ask real questions so you know you're getting someone who’s thorough, experienced, and honest.

You’re almost at the finish line—but before you sign those final papers, make sure your real estate attorney has your back. Closing on a home isn’t just about handing over a check and grabbing the keys. It’s a legal transaction that needs clarity, protection, and preparation. These questions will help ensure you're not walking into a financial or legal trap.

Buying a home is a major life move—and the agent you choose can either make it smooth or stressful. A good real estate agent doesn’t just show houses. They guide you, protect your interests, and help you avoid financial mistakes. So how do you pick the right one? Here’s what to look for.

House hunting can be exciting—but don’t let emotions blind you. There’s more to a good home than curb appeal. Whether it’s your first property or your forever place, here are five important things to keep in mind so you don’t regret your decision later.

Falling in love with a house is easy. But before you make any big moves, it’s important to slow down and take a closer look. These seven key areas can reveal a lot about whether this home is really worth the investment—or just a pretty face.

If you’re rebuilding your credit, department store cards can be a smart way to add positive history and boost your score. Here are three that typically offer easy approvals—even with less-than-perfect credit.