Now we continue with Part II of my “moving” checklist for
credit protection, if you have a client who will be doing a temporary move
prior to buying a home, this information may save your transaction from
calamity:
Make sure all utilities are paid in full and I would even go
as far as to request something showing your account is closed out with a $0
balance
Same thing with any medical or dental providers, they often
times won’t send out a bill for an amount not covered by insurance until 6
months or longer after the visit. This is a huge source of unexpected
collections and credit score danger. Not a bad idea to request a print-out of your
account to show it is zero just to make sure you can document in case there is
ever an issue. Mistakes do happen at times resulting in things being sent to
collection incorrectly. This will also let you know if there are any
outstanding insurance claims that may become harder to address if you are no
longer employed by the company providing the insurance coverage, this is an
absolutely huge issue for people, I could write a book only about medical collections
with the frequency and volume I see them, and many times there is a dispute
about what insurance was supposed to cover, or maybe the bill was paid but not
updated in the system, too many variables exist to trust that it will be ok,
always assume it won’t and be sure by documenting.
Gym memberships and any monthly payment agreement you have
that will not continue once you move, most agreements require at least a 30 day
notice, so make sure that is covered to avoid the dreaded gym collection (all
collections have the same impact regardless of dollar amount or reason/type)
Library materials, make sure everything has been returned
and confirm your account has no fines that can be sent to collection, I have
witnessed library collections many times. While laughable to think of, nobody
laughs when it happens in their transaction.
Make sure all bills are being sent to the correct address.
This is especially important for store credit cards only used sparingly. I have
had people move, the mail forwarding expires, they haven’t used their XYZ Super
Fashion store card in a year or more, and today is the day they will use it. It
isn’t something they have burned into their mind to pay each month, so when the
bill never arrives at their new address they don’t miss it. At least not until
they get a phone call that their account is 30 to 60 past due, and now it has
decreased their credit scores.
When it comes to credit the little things matter.
Clients can apply for a mortgage online at http://patrickritchie.onqtempe.com/
or call me any time.
Patrick Ritchie
Mortgage Finance Instructor
Ritchie School of Real Estate Finance
480-203-4641 Cell
NMLS# 276438 AZ#0913109
© Copyright 2014 Patrick Ritchie All Rights Reserved
