🐾 How Common Are Errors on Credit Reports? (More Than You’d Think!)

Hey there, fur-iend! Becky here—your favorite Barketing Manager and real estate sidekick at A Notch Above Group. 🐶

So you’re working on buying a home, sniffing out mortgage options, and doing all the right things...
But have you checked your credit report lately? 👀
More importantly, have you checked it for errors?

Because here’s the truth:
👉 Credit report errors are way more common than most people think.

Let’s dig in and uncover how often these mistakes pop up, why they matter, and what you can do if you find one on your report. 🦴

📊 So… How Common Are Credit Report Errors?

According to a recent study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), around 1 in 5 Americans (yep—20%) have an error on at least one of their credit reports. 😱

Even more eye-popping?
1 in 4 consumers who found and disputed an error saw a change in their credit score as a result.

That means a simple mistake—like a wrong balance or a payment marked late when it wasn’t—could be holding your score down right now.

🐾 Most Common Credit Report Mistakes

These aren’t just typos. Some errors can seriously impact your ability to qualify for a mortgage or get the best rate.

Here are some of the most common errors:

• ❌ Incorrect personal information (wrong name, address, or Social Security number)
  
  
• ❌ Accounts that don’t belong to you
  
  
• ❌ Closed accounts listed as open
  
  
• ❌ Duplicate accounts
  
  
• ❌ Incorrect balances or credit limits
  
  
• ❌ Late payments reported incorrectly
  
  
• ❌ Old debts that should have fallen off
  
  

❌ Accounts from an old joint account or divorce situation

🏡 Why Credit Report Errors Matter (Especially When You’re Buying a Home)

Your credit score plays a huge role in whether or not you can get a mortgage—and what your interest rate will be.

Even a small error could:

• Drop your credit score
  
  
• Raise your interest rate
  
  
• Cause your mortgage application to be delayed
  
  
• Or worse... get denied
  
  

Yikes. That’s enough to make this pup’s ears perk up. 👂

🛠 What to Do if You Find a Credit Report Error

If you sniff out something fishy on your report, here’s your game plan:

1. Request Your Free Credit Reports

Head to AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free copy from all three bureaus:
✅ Equifax
✅ Experian
✅ TransUnion

2. Review for Accuracy

Look for wrong names, balances, accounts you don’t recognize, and late payments that never happened.

3. File a Dispute

You can file disputes online with each bureau. Be sure to:
📎 Include documentation (like statements or proof of payment)
📅 Track your communication and keep copies

The credit bureau usually has 30 days to investigate and respond.

4. Follow Up

Once corrected, your score could bounce back—sometimes by dozens of points. That could mean a better loan, better rate, and more tail-waggin' savings.

🐶 Becky’s Final Bark: Don’t Skip the Credit Report Check

Errors on your credit report are more common than fleas at the dog park—and way more annoying. 😤

But the good news? You don’t have to be a financial wizard to fix them.
Just a little attention, some good sniffing skills, and a willingness to follow through can make all the difference—especially when you’re gearing up to buy a home.

📲 Need help reviewing your credit before applying for a mortgage?
Let’s talk! My team works with trusted lenders who can help you check your report, catch any issues, and create a plan to fetch your best possible credit score.

🐾 Like our page to stay in the loop on all things North Country real estate and to see what wild, wacky, or wonderful day I’m celebrating next! 🎉

🔁 Share this post to help your friends fetch accurate credit reports.

💬 Got questions about buying or selling? Slide into our DMs—I’ve got a whole team of humans ready to help every step of the way (I supervise, of course). 🐶

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