Help with past trouble

[Anonymous]

I had credit card trouble a few years ago and have gotten out of it -- high balances, late payments -- that hurt in 02-05.  I currently have zero credit cards and $0 balance.  Only debt is house payment.  All up to date on those.  Making more money now and want to buy new car in next 3 months and house in next 6-9 months.  Issue is that past credit probs still affecting FICO scores.  Scores even went down between april and oct and I don't know why (only inquiry was from new cell phone provider).  Advice from myfico.com is to pay on time -- which I do -- for the one thing I have to pay (house)!  What can I do to raise scores now and how long with the past probs follow me?  Will applying for a credit card now hurt or help?  Who can I talk to to show my credit reports/scores to and get advice from?  Thanks much.

[Anonymous]

What are your current scores?  If they're high even to get a decent unsecured card, I'd recommend opening one up so that you can get some credit history.  When you're looking for a house, at the very least you'll have one open CC with no lates on it.

[Anonymous]

in april scores were 640-750, today they are all 3 640-655.  Just surprising to me.  thanks.

[Anonymous]

Getting 1 or 2 cards and keeping a low balance (Under 9%) will put you in prime rates for that mortgage.

I would try to do the mortgage before the car if you can.

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@Anonymous wrote:

in april scores were 640-750, today they are all 3 640-655. Just surprising to me. thanks.

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