Elevate Your Credit Score Read (and Understand) the Fine Print The importance of good credit is a fact of life. Banks and credit card compa- Consumers have more ways than ever nies decide whether to lend you money and to buy a home. Know your rights. Homebuy- what interest rates you will pay based on ers should understand their mortgage contract your credit score. Be prepared to examine and be on the look-out for scam artists and past choices and, if necessary, to change predatory lenders. A HUD-approved housing your money habits. Decisions you make counselor (1-800-569-4287) can help. today will impact your future options. Borrowers’ Rights HUD off ers a complete list. Annual Credit Report Check the accuracy of http://www.hud.gov/borrowersrights your credit report annually for free: http://www. annualcreditreport.com. To obtain your credit score for Predatory Lending HUD has suggested a variety of a fee, contact the three major credit reporting agencies: ways to protect yourself from predatory lending. Equifax (1-800-685-1111) TransUnion http://www.hud.gov/loanfraud (1-800-916-8800) Experian (1-888-397-3742) For resources in your area: http://www.hud.gov/becareful ABCs of Homebuying HUD’s series of Internet videos guides you through the credit and homebuying Fair Housing Housing discrimination based on your process. http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/archives/ race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or homeforall.cfm disability is illegal. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been Resident Opportunities and Self- violated, you can fi le a fair housing complaint. Suffi ciency (ROSS) Homeownership and credit Go to: http://www.hud.gov/complaints counseling for families in public housing or receiving Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) assistance. Contact your local public housing agency: http://www.hud. gov/offi ces/pih/pha/contacts/index.cfm

Home Loan Learning Center Information on credit scores and reports, cost comparisons, and steps to take to qualify for a loan. http://www. homeloanlearningcenter.com U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

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U.S.U . S . DEPARTMENTD E P A R T M E N T OFO F HOUSINGH O U S I N G ANDA N D URBANU R B A N DEVELOPMENTD E V E L O P M E N T