A single mistake could cost you thousands — here’s how to catch and correct them.

Before you apply for a mortgage, your credit report needs to be accurate — not perfect, just accurate.

👉 That’s because even one reporting error — like a duplicate collection or outdated account — can lower your credit score and trigger a denial or higher rate.

The good news? You have the right to review and dispute any inaccurate information, and fixing those errors can often lead to a fast score boost.

Here’s how to check your credit, find what’s wrong, and fix it before applying for a home loan.

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✅ Step 1: Get All 3 Credit Reports (For Free)

Start by requesting your reports from:

• Experian
• Equifax
• TransUnion

You can get them for free at 👉 AnnualCreditReport.com

📘 During the post-COVID period, you can often access these weekly — not just annually.

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✅ Step 2: Look for These Common Credit Report Errors

🔍 Check each report for:

• Accounts that aren’t yours (fraud or misreporting)
• Duplicate accounts (same debt listed more than once)
• Incorrect balances or payment status
• Late payments that were actually paid on time
• Accounts showing open that were paid off or closed
• Old collections that should have fallen off (typically after 7 years)

💡 Tip: Use a highlighter or online annotation tool to mark suspicious or confusing entries.

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✅ Step 3: File a Dispute With Each Bureau

If you find inaccurate info, file a dispute directly with the bureau:

• Experian: experian.com/disputes
• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-disputes

Include:

• A clear description of the error
• Supporting documents (if available)
• A polite, professional explanation

✅ Most investigations are resolved in 30 days or less.

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✅ Step 4: Follow Up and Document the Outcome

Once the bureau responds:

• Check that the correction shows on all 3 reports
• Request a new copy of your credit report if needed
• Save your dispute letters and any proof in case it comes up during mortgage underwriting

📘 Sometimes lenders still require an explanation letter — we’ll help you write it if needed.

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✅ Bonus Tip: Ask for a Rapid Rescore (Through a Lender)

If you’ve recently fixed an error and need it updated fast:

• PRMI can request a rapid rescore through our credit provider
• This pushes the credit bureaus to update your file within a few days, instead of weeks
• Ideal if you’re mid-mortgage process and trying to lock in a rate or loan approval

💡 This is not available to consumers directly — only through a mortgage lender.

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🧠 Why This Matters for Homebuyers

A single error can:

• Drop your credit score by 20–100+ points
• Push you below the minimum score for FHA, Conventional, or VA
• Increase your rate or down payment requirement
• Delay or deny your mortgage approval altogether

Fixing it could mean better terms, faster approval, and real savings.

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🏢 Why PRMI?

At PRMI, we:

• Help you review and interpret your credit report
• Flag errors that matter for your mortgage file
• Assist with dispute documentation and strategy
• Request rapid rescoring when appropriate

We’re not just checking your credit — we’re optimizing it for success.

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👇 Think Something on Your Credit Report Might Be Wrong?

Let’s pull your full report (soft pull available), spot any issues, and help you fix them — fast.