Ask the expert: Poor credit histories - 2004-01-30
I'm 30 years old and I'm looking to purchase a house with my boyfriend. We have a bit of money saved for a deposit but we both have bad credit histories (from university and college days).

Ray Boulger, senior technical manager, Charcol:

The fact that you both have a bad credit history will not preclude you from getting a mortgage but it may mean you won't qualify for the best rates at the current time.
Read the full story at BBC

Company reliability queries grow - 2004-01-30
Are you wondering about the credibility of your mortgage company or swimming pool contractor?
You're not alone.

Inquiries about such companies were tops in 2003 for the MidCal Better Business Bureau, which serves Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne and

A record 74,000 company "reliability reports" were issued last year, primarily via the Internet. That's more than double the number provided in 2002.
Read the full story at Modesto Bee