fix my credit

Fix My Credit: The Right Way

When it comes to buying a home, your credit history matters — and if you’ve ever found yourself asking, “How can I fix my credit?” — you’re not alone. At North Star Mortgage Network, we believe in giving our clients the honest truth: while there are no shortcuts, there are solid steps you can take to strengthen your credit and set yourself up for success.

If you’re serious about fixing your credit the right way, here’s what you need to know:

What Makes My Credit Good or Bad?

Your credit history — including whether you pay your bills on time, how much debt you carry, and any bankruptcies — forms the backbone of your credit report.
The more positive activity you have (like on-time payments and low balances), the better your score will be. If you’ve had bumps in the road, don’t panic — there’s a path forward.

Can I Remove Negative but Accurate Information?

If you’re wondering whether you can simply erase negative marks, the answer is straightforward: no — not if the information is accurate and current.
Companies promising to “fix my credit overnight” often scam people out of money. True negative items — like missed payments or collections — will typically stay on your report for seven years. Bankruptcies stay on for ten years.

However, with time, good habits, and responsible borrowing, you can outweigh old negatives with new positives.

How Can I Check My Credit Report?

The first step to fix my credit is knowing exactly where you stand.
You’re entitled to free weekly reports from all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing your reports regularly helps you catch mistakes early and track your progress as you improve.

Through 2026, you can even get six free reports per year from Equifax at their website.

What If I Find a Mistake?

If you spot an error — like a payment wrongly marked late — dispute it immediately.
You can send letters directly to the credit bureau and the creditor reporting the wrong information. Both are legally required to investigate and correct any verified mistakes.
Disputing legitimate inaccuracies is one of the fastest, legal ways to fix my credit.

How Do I Improve My Credit Over Time?

Fixing your credit isn’t about quick tricks — it’s about consistent action over time. Here’s what truly works:

Pay your bills on time, every time.
Lower your credit card balances as much as possible.
Avoid taking on new debt you don’t need.
Dispute inaccurate information when necessary.

Slow and steady wins the race — and that’s not just old-fashioned advice, it’s reality.

What About Credit Repair Companies?

You might see ads offering to fix my credit fast — but beware.
By law, credit repair companies cannot remove accurate, negative information. Anything they can do legally, you can do yourself — often for free.
If a company demands payment upfront, promises to erase accurate negatives, or encourages you to lie — walk away. That’s a scam, plain and simple.

If you do want help, seek reputable non-profit credit counseling services, often offered through:

Credit unions
Military financial offices
University extension programs

What If I’ve Already Paid a Scammer?

If you paid a scammer, act fast:

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Contact your state’s Attorney General and consumer protection office
Try to recover your funds if you used gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency

Remember: no one can legally create a new credit identity for you, and trying can land you in serious legal trouble.

Final Thoughts: The Right Way to Fix My Credit

At North Star Mortgage Network, we know fixing your credit takes commitment — not gimmicks.
It’s about taking control, making smart financial decisions, and being patient. If you’re serious about buying a home, improving your credit today will set you up for better mortgage options tomorrow.

If you have questions about your credit or want advice on getting mortgage-ready, we’re here to guide you — just like the North Star has guided travelers for generations.

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