https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70866#M44540 thanks just curious is there a reason I should go with Orchand and not my own bank??? Sun, 23 Sep 2007 22:11:28 GMT Anonymous 2007-09-23T22:11:28Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70688#M44455 I am going to try to purchase my first home in approx 1 year. I have approx $50,000 to use as a down payment but have poor credit (562) and am trying to raise my score. I have paid off some old medical bills (that hasnt helped much) since everything I paid off still shows in the negative column of my report. I qualified for a target card and am using it and paying most of the balance off each month. Any other ideas on how I can increase my credit score? should I get a secured credit card (one that reports to all 3 credit companys) ??? Sun, 23 Sep 2007 04:19:20 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70688#M44455 Anonymous 2007-09-23T04:19:20Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70701#M44459 Yes - get a secured card<BR /><BR />Write GW letters for paid collections.<BR /><BR />Read the Credit 101 thread. Sun, 23 Sep 2007 05:04:47 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70701#M44459 Anonymous 2007-09-23T05:04:47Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70831#M44525 Hi I was hoping you could answer a question for me? I was reading some more information on the Forums and noticed that some people advise not to get a secured credit card to boost credit scores, especially if a person is trying to make a large purchase, since part of the credit score is based on how long I have had the account. I was wondering if you actually tried this for yourself (opening a secured credit card??? how long di it take for your credit score to raise???? thanks for any information Sun, 23 Sep 2007 19:54:58 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70831#M44525 Anonymous 2007-09-23T19:54:58Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70833#M44529 <DIV>You want to not apply for any credit roughly 6 months before you try to get a home loan.&nbsp; If you are waiting a year to buy the house then you are good.&nbsp; Go get an Orchard Bank secured card.</DIV><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><DIV>Auto</DIV> Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:02:29 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70833#M44529 autofly 2007-09-23T20:02:29Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70866#M44540 thanks just curious is there a reason I should go with Orchand and not my own bank??? Sun, 23 Sep 2007 22:11:28 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70866#M44540 Anonymous 2007-09-23T22:11:28Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70924#M44557 No- If you have a relationship with your bank - try there first. Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:32:42 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/70924#M44557 Anonymous 2007-09-24T00:32:42Z https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/71019#M44593 well I have a account with them ???? will that work?? I thought since it is a secured card I would automatically qualify for the amount I deposit... is that correct so I can really go anywhere right?? thanks again for taking the time to explain to me.... I really apprecitate it Mon, 24 Sep 2007 03:04:51 GMT https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/General-Credit-Topics/First-Time-Buyer-with-Bad-Credit/m-p/71019#M44593 Anonymous 2007-09-24T03:04:51Z