·    Check your personal credit. Contact a credit bureau and request an inexpensive or complimentary report. Update and correct if necessary. 

·    Save as much as possible for your down payment and closing costs. Sacrifice short-term luxuries for your long-term goal of home ownership. 

·    Avoid using credit at all costs. This is not the time to assume another car payment, buy a boat, or even apply for another credit card. 

·    If someone is donating a substantial sum of cash toward your purchase, deposit it in your savings account months before applying for a mortgage loan. Ask an attorney or accountant about gifting rules.  

·    If you're a veteran, order your VA certificate of entitlement in preparation for choosing a VA mortgage.