Credit help · Free
Credit repair help. Get mortgage-ready.
Free, honest guidance to fix credit report errors, avoid credit repair scams and build a plan to qualify for a home loan. No fees, no sign-up costs.
Credit is the number one thing that stops a home purchase before it starts. The good news: most of what a credit repair company charges for, you can do yourself for free. Here is how, with every fact linked to its source. When you are ready, I will help you put together a plan and connect you with the right people.
What you can do yourself, for free
- Pull all three credit reports.Equifax, Experian and TransUnion let you check your report at each bureau once a week for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site. The three bureaus made weekly access permanent in October 2023. Source: N.H. Banking Department, Oct. 16, 2023
- Look for errors.Accounts that are not yours, late payments you did not make, balances that are wrong, debts listed twice. Errors are worth fixing before you apply for a mortgage.
- Dispute errors in writing.Send a dispute to the credit bureau and to the company that reported the item (your bank, card company or lender), with copies of your proof. The company that reported it generally must investigate and respond within 30 days. If the error comes from identity theft, start at IdentityTheft.gov. Source: CFPB, reviewed Sept. 2, 2026
- Know what time fixes.Most negative information can be reported for seven years. Bankruptcies can stay for up to ten. Accurate items do not come off early because someone disputes them. Source: CFPB, reviewed Sept. 2, 2026
- Build from here.Pay every bill on time from today forward, keep credit card balances low, and avoid opening new credit right before you apply for a home loan.
- Get free counseling if you want a coach.HUD-approved housing counselors help with credit problems and buying a home, often at little or no cost. Find one near you. Source: CFPB
Watch out for credit repair scams
The Federal Trade Commission warns that credit repair companies:
- cannot legally charge you before they help you,
- cannot legally remove negative information that is accurate and up to date, and
- cannot lie about what they can do or tell you to lie on a credit application.
Source: FTC Consumer Alert, Jan. 7, 2026. In Texas, a company that charges for credit services must post a $10,000 bond or security for each location under Texas Finance Code chapter 393 (Texas Secretary of State form 2802). Ask any company you are considering for proof before you pay.
Credit and buying a home
Each loan program sets its own credit rules. For example, FHA allows 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher (HUD Handbook 4000.1), and lenders often set their own higher minimums. The lender looks at the whole picture: scores, payment history, debts and income. That is why the best first step is a conversation, not a guess. Try the affordability calculator or the FHA loan calculator to see what different numbers mean for your payment.
Common questions
Do you charge for credit help?
No. This page and my help are free. I do not sell credit repair and I am not paid by any credit repair company.
Can you remove items from my credit report?
No one can legally remove accurate, up-to-date information. Errors can be disputed, for free, by you. I can help you understand your options and connect you with a lender or a HUD-approved counselor.
Should I pay a credit repair company?
That is your choice. Know that you can do the same disputes yourself for free, that it is illegal for them to charge before they help you, and that in Texas they must post a bond with the state. Ask for proof first.
How long until I can buy a home?
It depends on what is on your report and the loan program. Some buyers are closer than they think. Send the form and we will talk through a realistic timeline.
Michael O'Neal is a real estate broker. He is not a credit repair organization, credit counselor, lender, attorney or tax adviser, and he does not promise any change to your credit report or score. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Never send your Social Security number, account numbers or credit reports through this website.
Free credit game plan
Let's get you mortgage-ready.
Tell me where you are and when you want to buy. I will reach out, walk through your options and connect you with the right lender or counselor. No cost and no obligation.