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Buyer Case Study —
Bad Credit to Homeowner in 6 Months
From “Credit Denied” to “Clear to Close” — Homeownership in Just 6 Months
Client Profile
A determined first-time buyer in Alabama with a credit score in the 540–580 range, previously told by multiple lenders that homeownership was “out of reach.”
The Challenge
- Inconsistent credit history and low FICO score.
- Had been turned down by traditional lenders and told to “come back later.”
- Lacked clear direction on how to rebuild credit or where to start.
Our Strategy & Approach
- Conducted a discovery session to assess the client’s finances and long-term goals.
- Partnered them with a trusted credit-repair lender specializing in homeownership readiness.
- Developed a custom 6-month action plan, including:
- Paying down revolving debt strategically.
- Removing duplicate or inaccurate collections.
- Establishing new positive trade lines for scoring stability.
- Held monthly check-ins to measure progress and adjust as needed.
- Once pre-approved, identified homes that met both their budget and lifestyle goals.
The Results
Credit score improved by
over 80 points
in six months.
Closed in
month 6
— with a monthly payment aligned perfectly to their budget.
Buyer received full mortgage pre-approval
and went under contract on a move-in-ready home.
Turned from a discouraged renter into
a proud first-time homeowner.
Client Quote
“Terri didn’t just help me buy a house — she helped me change my life.”
Your credit isn’t a dead end — it’s a starting point.
If you dream of buying but don’t know where to begin, Terri Kelley Group will build your roadmap to homeownership.
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