Here’s How RiverWILD Helps Buyers Rebuild Their Credit and Get Ready to Buy a Home
We hear it all the time. A buyer will say to one of our RiverWILD agents; “We have to repair our credit before we can buy a home!”
We have to repair our credit before we can buy a home!
Anonymous Buyer
First of all, you’re not alone — and you’re not stuck. The great news is, our agents have steps and resources to help you get where you want to go.
Buying a home is a goal many share — but for some, past credit challenges can feel like a major roadblock. At the RiverWILD Real Estate Team, we’ve walked alongside plenty of buyers who started exactly where you are now. The good news? There’s a path forward, and we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re in Johnston County, Wake County, or Harnett County, our mission is to help you become mortgage-ready — even if your credit score needs some attention first. Here’s how we do it.
🔍 Step 1: Check Your Credit Report
Before you can fix anything, you need to see what you’re working with.
- Visit AnnualCreditReport.com — it’s the only free, government-backed site.
- Download reports from all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Look out for mistakes or outdated information that could be dragging your score down.
🛠 Step 2: Dispute Any Errors
Mistakes happen — and they can hurt your credit more than you realize.
- Common errors include duplicate accounts, inaccurate balances, and accounts that don’t belong to you.
- File a dispute directly through the bureau’s website to correct the issue.
💳 Step 3: Pay Down Revolving Debt
One of the biggest impacts on your credit score? Credit utilization — how much of your available credit you’re using.
- Keep balances under 30% of your limit — under 10% is even better.
- Focus on credit cards and lines of credit, not installment loans.
⛔ Step 4: Don’t Close Old Accounts
Your credit history matters. Closing old cards can actually lower your score.
- Keep long-standing accounts open, even if you rarely use them.
⏰ Step 5: Make Every Payment On Time
Even small slip-ups can damage your score — and stay on your report for years.
- Set up autopay or calendar reminders to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
🙋♀️ Step 6: Become an Authorized User
Ask a family member or friend with strong credit if they’ll add you as an authorized user on their card.
- You benefit from their good payment history without using the card yourself.
🔁 Step 7: Stay in Touch and Track Progress
We’re not going anywhere — and your journey isn’t one you need to take alone.
- RiverWILD agents will check in monthly, track your improvements, and help you stay motivated.
- We can also add you to a free email series that shares tips, tools, and encouragement while you prep for your purchase.
🧰 Bonus Resources We Recommend
We’ve done the homework so you don’t have to. Here are a few trusted tools and partners we share with our buyers:
- ✅ Access to local credit counselors
- ✅ Lender partners who offer credit simulation (like Fairway Mortgage)
- ✅ Free budgeting apps like Mint
- ✅ Homebuyer education workshops (ask us about our next one!)
👥 How RiverWILD Agents Position Credit Support
We’re not just here to open doors — we’re here to help you get ready to walk through them.
We don’t just help people buy homes. We help people get ready to buy homes.
Think of us as your real estate advisors — not just when you’re shopping, but when you’re planning. Credit is just one chapter of that.
Let’s Turn Your Setback Into a Comeback
Despite challenges beyond her control, like homes getting bought out from under us, inconsistencies and issues with builders, and financing hurdles, Dakota never wavered in her dedication to making this happen for us. She showed us multiple homes and communities all over the greater Raleigh metro area, always keeping our best interests at heart. When we struggled to secure financing-after six failed attempts with the seller’s preferred lenders-she connected us with her recommended team, and without them, we wouldn’t have been able to make this dream a reality.
Justin and Felicia A.
If you’re feeling unsure about your credit, let’s talk. Our team at RiverWILD Real Estate knows how to help — without pressure, without judgment, and with the local insight you need to move forward with confidence.
📅 Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.
We’ll connect you with trusted resources and build a homeownership game plan tailored just for you.
We’ve helped buyers all over Johnston, Wake, and Harnett Counties take control of their credit and step into homeownership. You could be next — reach out now, and let’s start rebuilding together.