Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit". High outstanding debt can affect a score.

Don't open a number of new credit cards that you don't need, just to increase your available credit.

Past credit problems fade as time passes and as recent good payment patterns show up on your credit report.

Credit "mistakes" count for less. If you have had poor credit performance in the past, credit scoring doesn't let that haunt you forever.

Judgments -Most judgments,including small claims,civil and child support,will remain on your credit report for 7 years from the filing date.

Closed Accounts - If the account has delinquencies,those marks will stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date they were reported.

Charge-off Accounts - If your delinquent account is charged-off, the record will stay on your credit report for 7 years.

After clearing out any errors in your credit reports it is best to slowly rebuild your credit history.

Do your rate shopping for a given loan within a focused period of time.

It's important to note that raising your score is a bit like losing weight: It takes time and there is no quick fix.