Not long ago, we paid very little attention to our credit reports unless we wanted to take out a large loan−to buy a home, for example. Now, however, our credit reports and credit scores are being used by most of the lenders we deal with−including those who decide to raise or lower the interest charges on our credit cards−and even by insurance companies deciding how high our premiums will be and potential employers deciding whether to hire us.

Consequently, it is important to stay current with our credit reports and credit scores. And there are still more reasons to do so:

*We need to watch for errors that may have found their way into our credit records. Credit reporting agencies and creditors are required to investigate anything that we question. The law is on our side, but it won't do us any good if we don't actually do the questioning.

*We need to make sure that payments we've made have been credited to our accounts in a timely manner. If not, time for another investigation.

*We need to watch closely for identity theft, a crime committed against roughly 50 million Americans. If accounts are given new addresses and unpaid balances skyrocket, it's time to act−quickly.

*We need to watch for inquiries into our credit histories. The more that show up in our records, the worse our credit scores can become.

*And we need to watch for credit fraud, for charges made against our accounts by someone other than ourselves.

Your real estate advisor can help you get the assistance you need, just call Beth at (425) 450-5208 and visit her website at www.bethbillington.com.

Beth Billington is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Bain in Bellevue, WA.