How much do you weigh credit history when it comes to screening?

[Taylor Wilson]

Curious how much others weigh credit history when it comes to your screening process? I recently pulled my own report using SmartMove and there were several inconsistencies when it came to the number of credit lines and history. I realize I have a common name but now I'm wondering about the accuracy of these reports and whether it's necessary to include as a part of my process. I'm already verifying employment/income and checking references.

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

It really depends on where exactly the data is coming from. I have been pulling reports direct from Equifax for most of the past 30 years. It typically is the most important document that I review, depending on the depth of info provided on a particular subject. I do not focus on the FICO score, but rather what trade account, collections, and other info contributes to that score.

Other sites aggregate pieces of information from multiple sources which may be more or less accurate than the Big 3. They each have their own algorithms for determining their particular score or grading value.

I am looking for Bad Habits, in all areas...financial, legal, reputation, online presence, and employment. I also have consideration for events that people typically have no control over. Medical bills, older foreclosures or bankruptcies with a clear path of redemption, divorce, and other events...if the person is upfront and there is evidence to support significant improvement overall.