Why you should order your own credit report.....If you're thinking of buying a home, it can take one derogatory item to create an obstacle to getting a mortgage or getting the lowest rate. You may want to check your credit report before you shop for a new home. You will then have the opportunity to deal with any unexpected issues. If you discover an error, you can inform the credit bureau immediately, they are required by law to promptly make the correction.
If you're late on payments you can write a letter of explanation to the credit bureau telling your side of the story, this would accompany the credit information that may go to your lender. Most lenders will accept a reasonable explanation for late payments such as illness, job loss, military service etc.
To get your credit report there are three major credit bureaus in North America.

• Equifax ( www.equifax.com)
• Trans Union ( www.transunion.com)
• Experian ( www.experian.com)

All have websites that allow you to order your credit report for a reasonable fee, but not all companies report credit information to all three bureaus, you may want to order all three credit reports.