A program the FTC announced last year to allow consumers to request one free credit report per year is expected in California by December 1, 2004.
Realty Times: Home Buyers Should Benefit From New Free Credit Report System
This program will be a welcome addition to all consumers - many of whom probably don't even know that such information exists about them.
Under this program, each of us will be able to go to a central credit report service center to request one free credit report yearly; the data contained therein are those maintained by Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union - the "big three," if you will, of credit reporting.
One of the requirements is for you to receive these reports within 15 days of ordering them -- which should help all home buyers get a leg up on knowing their credit scores (called FICO scores) well in advance of applying for a home loan.
