• Pay For Deletion vs. Paid Collection,Lyndsey Johnson, MiCP

    Pay For Deletion vs. Paid Collection

    When it comes to your credit score, it's important to stay informed about your options for improving it. Two popular methods for addressing negative marks on your credit report are pay for deletion and paid collection. Let's take a closer look at the differences between the two and how they can impact your mortgage and lifestyle. What's the Difference? First, let's define what each method means. Pay for deletion is when you negotiate with a creditor to remove a negative mark from your credit report in exchange for paying the debt in full. Paid collection, on the other hand, is when you pay a collection agency to settle a debt that has already been charged off or sent to collections. The main difference between the two methods is the impact they have on your credit score. Pay for deletion can potentially improve your score, as the negative mark is completely removed from your report. Paid collection, on the other hand, may not improve your score significantly, as the negative mark remains on your report even after the debt is paid off. Cost The cost is also a factor to consider. Pay for deletion typically requires negotiating with the creditor and paying off the debt in full, which can be expensive depending on the amount owed. Paid collection may be a more affordable option, as you can negotiate with the collection agency to settle for a lower amount. How Does This Impact My Credit Score? So which method should you choose? It ultimately depends on your specific situation and goals. If you're trying to improve your credit score for a future mortgage or loan, pay for deletion may be the better choice. However, if you're simply trying to settle a debt and move on, paid collection may be the more practical option. It's important to keep in mind that both methods have their limitations. Pay for deletion is not guaranteed, as creditors are not required to remove negative marks from your credit report. Additionally, paid collection may still impact your credit score, as it shows that you had a debt go to collections in the first place. When it comes to addressing negative marks on your credit report, it's important to weigh the benefits and limitations of pay for deletion and paid collection. Consider your financial goals and budget, and consult with a financial advisor or credit counselor if you're unsure which method is right for you. By making informed decisions, you can take steps towards improving your credit score and achieving your financial goals. For more information on how to dispute items on your credit report, and get negative items removed, see my blog post about credit disputes. 

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  • 7 Pro Tips to Elevate Your Listing Game,Lyndsey Johnson, MiCP

    7 Pro Tips to Elevate Your Listing Game

    As a real estate agent, securing listings stands as a vital aspect of your job. Without a steady stream of properties to sell, your business can suffer. So, how do you attract more listings? Here are seven simple tips to boost your inventory and foster business growth. Use Your CRM More Effectively Your CRM (customer relationship management) system is a goldmine of information. Use it to track leads, follow up with clients, and stay organized. You can also use your CRM to segment your clients and send targeted messages to specific groups. For example, you might create a list of clients who have expressed interest in selling their homes in the next six months and send them a personalized email or call to check in on their progress. Automate Your Emails On A Drip Campaign Email marketing is a powerful tool for real estate agents. But sending individual emails to each client can be time-consuming. Instead, use a drip campaign to automate your emails. This means that you create a series of emails ahead of time and schedule them to be sent at specific intervals. For example, you might send an initial email introducing yourself and your services, followed by a series of emails providing tips for preparing a home for sale, and ending with a call to action to schedule a consultation. Send An Unsolicited CMA A CMA (comparative market analysis) is a report that shows the value of a property based on the prices of similar homes in the area. Sending an unsolicited CMA to a potential seller can be a powerful way to get their attention and demonstrate your expertise. Be sure to personalize the report with information about their specific property and neighborhood. Attend Local Events Getting involved in your local community is a great way to meet potential clients and build relationships. Attend local events such as farmers markets, charity fundraisers, and school events. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and strike up conversations with people you meet. Create A Strong Online Presence In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for real estate agents. Make sure your website is up to date and easy to navigate. Use social media to connect with potential clients and share valuable content such as home-buying tips and neighborhood profiles. You might also consider creating a blog to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients. Offer Incentives Sometimes all it takes to secure a new listing is a little extra incentive. Consider offering a free staging consultation, a reduced commission rate, or a gift card to a local restaurant or store. These small gestures can go a long way in building trust and loyalty with your clients. Follow Up Consistently Following up with potential clients is key to securing new listings. Don't be afraid to check in regularly and offer your services. You might also consider sending a handwritten note or small gift to show your appreciation for their consideration. Getting more listings as a real estate agent requires a combination of effort, strategy, and consistency. By using your CRM effectively, automating your emails, sending unsolicited CMAs, attending local events, creating a strong online presence, offering incentives, and following up consistently, you can attract new clients and grow your business.

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  • How to Challenge Incorrect Credit Information,Lyndsey Johnson, MiCP

    How to Challenge Incorrect Credit Information

    Your credit score can make or break your goals in life. Unfortunately, mistakes on your credit report can negatively affect your score and hinder your ability to secure a mortgage or favorable loan terms. The good news is that you have the power to challenge incorrect credit information and improve your credit score. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to dispute mistakes on your credit report and you can download a copy of my attorney reviewed credit dispute letter templates. Review Your Credit Report To correct your credit report, your first step is to contact the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Once you receive your credit report, carefully review it for errors, including incorrect balances, late payments, and collections accounts that don’t belong to you. If you see any discrepancies, you should file a dispute with the appropriate creditors directly and the credit bureau. Dispute Mistakes If you believe that there is an error on your credit report, you have the right to dispute it. You can dispute the information online, by mail, or by phone. The credit bureau will provide you with instructions and a dispute form to complete. When disputing an item on your credit report, be sure to provide as much detail as possible regarding the error. For example, if you are disputing a late payment, provide the date the payment was due and the date it was made. Also, be sure to include any documentation that supports your dispute, such as bank statements or receipts. The credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate your dispute. During this time, they will contact the creditor or reporting agency that provided the information and request documentation to verify the accuracy of the information. If the creditor or reporting agency cannot provide the documentation, the credit bureau is required by law to remove the item from your credit report. Verification of Debt & Dispute Letters The most effective way to dispute information on your credit report is via mail. I have created three powerful dispute letter templates designed to help you dispute and rectify credit report inaccuracies with ease citing federal consumer protection laws. The Verification of Debt and Dispute Letters Bundle includes three comprehensive and professionally crafted letters that empower individuals to navigate the complex world of credit reporting and dispute errors effectively. Whether you're facing issues with incorrect personal information, outdated accounts, or fraudulent activity, this instant download, fully editable Word document template, provides you with the structure and guidance needed to communicate with credit bureaus and creditors confidently. Challenging incorrect credit information can be a time-consuming process, but it’s essential for maintaining a healthy credit score. By following the steps outlined in this post and providing detailed documentation to support your dispute, you can improve your credit score and secure the mortgage or loan terms you deserve.

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