RIVERSIDE, CA — As home prices continue to drop amid uncertainty in the banking sector, triggering a domino effect on the real estate market, there are opportunities first-time homebuyers and new investors in the Inland Empire will want to be prepared for — and that begins with a healthy credit report.

In the year ending in January 2023, Riverside and San Bernardino counties experienced the third largest decline in the Inland Empire region’s history as home sales sharply dropped by about 45% with only 3,526 homes sold compared with 2022, according to CoreLogic.

According to the credit repair experts at StrongCreditRepair.com in Riverside, California, the most critical first step in taking advantage of competitive rates offered by lenders will be ensuring any potential credit report errors are disputed. As little as one error such as a late payment, charge-off, or collection could significantly impact a credit score.

“It is important to present your strongest credit profile and asset portfolio when approaching lenders for the first time,” said Ezekiel Kobina, District Manager of Strong Credit Repair.

“If consumers want to lock in interest rates that make homeownership more affordable, or a would-be investor wants to maximize his or her returns on an income-generating property, knowing where you stand with lenders before you approach them will dictate your home-buying experience,” he added.

Many lenders evaluate credit worthiness through a loan application, and the decision is often final for a set period, depending on the lender’s internal policies. Consumers who overlook  credit report errors and neglect to properly dispute inaccuracies could lose out on interest rates that amount to thousands of dollars in net savings on homes in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to the experts at StrongCreditRepair.com.

Strong Credit Repair has established itself as a leader in credit repair services and solutions throughout Riverside County because of its dedicated, personalized support and comprehensive consulting process.

“Consumers who need an efficient credit repair service that will not cost additional time — or more money — make the right choice when they choose Strong Credit Repair. If renting or homeownership in the Inland Empire is our client’s goal, we move mountains to help clean their credit reports of any inaccurate items that will help them reach their goals,” said Kobina.