Ways to increase your credit score after a property tax foreclosure.

If you've experienced a property tax foreclosure, your credit likely took a major hit — but it can be repaired with consistent steps. Here are the best ways to increase your credit score after a foreclosure:

1. Check Your Credit Reports for Accuracy

• Request your reports from all three major bureaus:
  AnnualCreditReport.com (free weekly reports)
• Look for:
  • Incorrect foreclosure dates
  • Duplicate accounts
  • Any debts that should be marked "paid" or "settled"

Dispute any errors — even small corrections can raise your score.

2. Start Rebuilding Credit with New Accounts

• Apply for a secured credit card
  (You deposit $200–$500 and get a card with a matching limit)
• Consider a credit-builder loan from a local bank or credit union
• Keep credit utilization below 30% of your limit

Tip: Put one small monthly expense (like Netflix) on the card and pay it off in full every month.

3. Pay Everything On Time Going Forward

• Your payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score
• Set up auto-pay for:
  • Credit cards
  • Utilities
  • Phone bills

Even 6 months of on-time payments can start showing positive impact.

4. Catch Up on Other Debts

• If you have collections or charge-offs, consider:
  • Paying them off
  • Negotiating a "pay for delete" (ask creditor to remove it after payment)
• Focus on old revolving accounts — these impact your score more than installment loans

5. Add Positive Payment History with Experian Boost

• Experian Boost lets you report utilities and phone bills as credit
• Can increase your score instantly, especially for those with thin credit files

6. Wait Out the Foreclosure’s Impact

• A tax foreclosure stays on your credit for 7 years, but its effect lessens over time — especially if you add positive accounts and avoid new negatives
• After 2–3 years of solid rebuilding, many people can:
  • Qualify for new credit
  • Even start preparing for mortgage approval again

7. Avoid These Mistakes

• Don’t apply for too many new accounts at once
• Don’t close old accounts — older credit history helps
• Don’t fall for "credit repair" scams promising quick fixes