HI! I am hoping I might could get some tips and help from some others out there that have been rebuilding their credit. I am currently on the path to improve my credit score to buy a home in a year or so. My biggest ailment is a bankruptcy that is still reporting. It was discharged in Jan 2011. Of course it will not fall off my report until 2021. I also have a few collections that were tied to the house (I got a divorce and my ex took the house. SInce he was unable to re-finance, I filed bankruptcy at the advice of 2 lawyers, and of course he let the house go including the utilities, which were in my name, go to collections). I have since paid these collections, and I have been sending out GW letters in hopes to have these collections completely removed (even though they show as paid). I have had 2 secured cc since my bankruptcy and have never made one late payment. I was approved for a cap one quicksilver limit of 3600 in dec, and I was recently approved for Barclay rewards (1500) and discover it (1600). I also have one auto loan which was opened back in the fall. my 2 secured cards are sitting at a zero balance. I owe 1000 on my capital one, and zero balance on the other two. I plan on gardening for at least a year on the current cards I have. My ultimate goal is either a chase southwest card (I travel southwest for work) or an american express (heard they make your scores soar) but I do know these banks are not BK friendly.
I would greatly appreciate any advice one might have in regards to using these 3 unsecured cards that would positively impact my score the most. I do realize my score will not budge much with the BK and collections, but they are a work in progress. If anyone has any other advice, please share. I also enjoy reading through these forums stories of those who were in situations similar to mine, and were able to rise to great scores once again.
My current scores are as follows:
equifax-641
experian-645
transunion-649
