Loans, mortgages, debt, insurance, retirement, scams — type your problem, get a straight answer in seconds. The full detailed report costs less than a cup of coffee: $2.95.
A bad credit file does not close the door on homeownership — it locks the expensive one. Sub-prime and non-conforming lenders will talk to you, but at higher rates and with bigger deposits, which is why the smart play is usually repairing your file for 6-12 months first. This guide explains what stays on your file, how long, and the exact order of operations to go from 'declined' to 'approved at a good rate'.
repair + pathway plan
Defaults and judgments typically stay on file 5-7 years, but most lenders care most about the last 12-24 months of behaviour.
Only if it is wrong, paid and not listed correctly, or the debt was never yours — lodge a dispute with the credit bureau, don't pay a 'credit repair' company to do what you can do free.
If you can wait 12 months and fix the file, the rate difference on a 30-year loan will likely save you more than any deposit you might lose waiting.
Every tool answers instantly from our own knowledge and calculators. Want the deeper, personalised version? Each has a $2.95 full report.