Lisa J. Foster - Branch Mgr & Sr Mortgage Advisor

Protect Your Credit the Right Way for Nevada First-Time Homebuyers

Maintaining a strong credit score is essential for first-time homebuyers in Nevada. Your credit score plays a major role in qualifying for a mortgage—and getting the best rate possible. But if you spot an error on your credit report, it can feel urgent to fix it fast. Some people turn to credit repair companies for help, but that path can lead to more problems than solutions.

As a mortgage professional, I want to help you understand how to confidently handle credit issues yourself—and why that’s often the safest (and legal) route.

Beware of Credit Repair Agencies

It’s tempting to believe in a “quick fix,” especially when you’re eager to buy your first home. Credit repair companies often promise fast results, but they’re heavily regulated under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA)—and for good reason. This federal law requires agencies to clearly explain their services, avoid making false promises, and only charge for services after they’ve been completed.

Unfortunately, many agencies still charge upfront fees (sometimes disguised as “retainers”), or they flood credit bureaus with mass disputes. Some even go as far as filing fraudulent identity theft claims or promoting Credit Privacy Numbers (CPNs)—a tactic that is not only unethical but illegal.

Using a CPN to apply for credit or a mortgage is a federal crime. Some numbers are stolen from children, the elderly, or incarcerated individuals. If someone encourages you to use one—walk away and report it.

Repairing Your Credit the Right Way—For Free

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to pay someone to fix your credit. You can do it yourself, safely and effectively:

Get Your Free Credit Reports:
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to access your free credit reports from all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Look for Errors:
Check for incorrect addresses, duplicate accounts, or late payments that aren’t accurate.

Dispute the Mistakes:
You can file disputes online with each credit bureau. Keep copies of all correspondence. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) even offers free sample letters to help you through the process.

Follow Up:
Credit bureaus usually respond within 30 days. If the creditor cannot verify the account or error, it must be corrected or removed.

Nevada Homebuyer Resources

As you work on building or repairing your credit, know that there are great resources here in Nevada to support you:

Home Is Possible Program:
Offered by the Nevada Housing Division, this program provides down payment assistance and helps first-time buyers secure competitive rates. Learn more at homeispossiblenv.org.

FHA Loans:
Backed by the federal government, FHA loans are designed for buyers with lower credit scores or limited savings.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a miracle solution to fix your credit. You need the right tools, trusted resources, and a little patience. By taking control of your financial health and staying away from shady credit repair shortcuts, you’ll be ready for the joys (and responsibilities) of homeownership—on your terms.

If you ever have questions about credit, mortgages, or where to start, I’m here to help.

Works Cited

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “How Do I Dispute an Error on My Credit Report?” ConsumerFinance.gov, www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-…. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Federal Trade Commission. “Credit Repair Organizations Act.” FTC.gov, www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/credit-r…. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Home Is Possible. “Home Is Possible Program.” Nevada Housing Division, www.homeispossiblenv.org/home-possible-program. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Investopedia. “Is Credit Repair Illegal?” Investopedia, www.investopedia.com/is-credit-repair-illegal-5075…. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

U.S. Government. “Annual Credit Report.” AnnualCreditReport.com, www.annualcreditreport.com/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

9 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0

Lisa J. Foster - Branch Mgr & Sr Mortgage Advisor

Get involved with the community. There is so much fun to discover. Las Vegas is a melting pot of cultures, and community events showcase this beautifully. They celebrate diversity, opening doors to new perspectives, traditions, and experiences that enrich our lives.





Let's support and celebrate the incredible tapestry of people, ideas, and talents that make Las Vegas shine. Together, we can build a community that's even stronger, more connected, and full of endless possibilities.





#communityunity #apm #americanpacificmortgage #ComeHomeToAPM #creatingexperiencesthatmatter #lasvegasishome 🌟💬 #VegasCommunity #ConnectAndThrive #supportlocal

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11 months ago | [YT] | 1

Lisa J. Foster - Branch Mgr & Sr Mortgage Advisor

Get involved with the community. There is so much fun to discover. Las Vegas is a melting pot of cultures, and community events showcase this beautifully. They celebrate diversity, opening doors to new perspectives, traditions, and experiences that enrich our lives.





Let's support and celebrate the incredible tapestry of people, ideas, and talents that make Las Vegas shine. Together, we can build a community that's even stronger, more connected, and full of endless possibilities.





#communityunity #apm #americanpacificmortgage #ComeHomeToAPM #creatingexperiencesthatmatter #lasvegasishome 🌟💬 #VegasCommunity #ConnectAndThrive #supportlocal

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1 2 3 4 5

11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Lisa J. Foster - Branch Mgr & Sr Mortgage Advisor

Get involved with the community. There is so much fun to discover. Las Vegas is a melting pot of cultures, and community events showcase this beautifully. They celebrate diversity, opening doors to new perspectives, traditions, and experiences that enrich our lives.



Let's support and celebrate the incredible tapestry of people, ideas, and talents that make Las Vegas shine. Together, we can build a community that's even stronger, more connected, and full of endless possibilities.



#communityunity #apm #americanpacificmortgage #ComeHomeToAPM #creatingexperiencesthatmatter #lasvegasishome 🌟💬 #VegasCommunity #ConnectAndThrive #supportlocal

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1 2 3 4 5

11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Lisa J. Foster - Branch Mgr & Sr Mortgage Advisor

You may have recently heard about a legal settlement finalized by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) regarding commissions paid by home sellers. This resulted in changes between the way real estate agents document their services to home sellers and buyers, together with how commission payments are structured. Read more here: www.apmortgage.com/blog/apm-financial-fitness-sept…

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Lisa J. Foster - Branch Mgr & Sr Mortgage Advisor

"The interest rate on your loan can impact the amount of money that you pay each month and over the life of your loan, so naturally, you want to get a highly competitive rate. After all, even a percentage of a point off can put thousands of dollars back into your pockets. This is why comparing interest rates is such an important part of the mortgage process." Read more here: www.apmortgage.com/mortgage-rates



For more information and to access my homebuyer guide, visit: www.apmortgage.com/lisa-foster

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Lisa J. Foster - Branch Mgr & Sr Mortgage Advisor

Buy-Fi is a game-changing opportunity for potential homebuyers seeking confidence and flexibility in their purchasing decisions. It’s truly the best of both worlds.



Buy now with confidence . APM’s Buy-Fi program lets potential homebuyers buy with confidence between November 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, regardless of current high interest rates, with the knowledge that they can refinance into a lower rate later for lower fees.

www.apmortgage.com/blog/buy-a-home-now-refinance-l…

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1 year ago | [YT] | 0