Need points - at whits end-HELP

[Anonymous]

I have been trying to purchase a home since April.  I was told I was prequalified and only needed 1 score to go up.  I applied for a card before prequalifying and got it.  My scores were 621 EX, 598 EQ, 584 TU.  Found a house I liked but they said I had to prequalify throught Suntrust.  I applied, got denied.  I pulled my score a few weeks ago and TU went down to 575 and EQ to 585.  I pulled them today and EQ remains the same but TU went down to 563.  TU had a new collection from BOA for a checking acct which I stopped using years ago.  My old condo association tried to deduct money for fees when I was foreclosed on.  Association tried filing a judgement but I was foreclosed on before they could finish.  They tried taking money from my BOA acct but I was no longer using it.  Now BOA is saying I owe them $99 and I spoke to them about it years ago and they removed the charges but now I have a collection saying I owe.  It had to be about 6 years ago when this happened.  I was so close now I don't know what to do to get my score back up.  I only have to open accts: my auto loan (had it for almost 2 years with 1 30 late in Jan 08) and a cc (had it since Apr 09).  Have 1 collection for Direct TV on EQ from 05 and 2 on TU for Direct TV and BOA.  What can I do?

[BungalowMo]

Call BoA, or better yet, take a copy of your report & stop in one of their offices. (have cash in hand... pay the $99).  Explain the situation & I'm sure they have some special # they call & get that removed!!!  You really have no major issues with them so I'm guessing they'll be willing to help you.

[Anonymous]

I will do that.  My score still dropped prior to that BOA appearing.  Not sure how to rectify that.

[RobertEG]

I agree that taking care of the BoA account will help, but I would get on the phone with the mortgage lendor, and ask THEM what was their grounds for denial, and they suggest you need to do to satisfy them.

[Anonymous]

When you say "collection from BoA" do you mean BoA is reporting it or you have a CA reporting from a BoA debt?