Before you start shopping for a home, it's a good idea to make some preparations

Build you pre-qualification file:

• Financial statements
• Bank accounts
• Investments
• Credit card
• Auto loans
• Recent pay stubs
• Tax returns for two years

Check your credit rating
Your credit score will have a huge impact on what type of home you can buy, and at what price. Anything above 620 is considered good. A premium interest rate may mean a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Check your credit rating with a credit reporting agency such as :

Equifax  http://www.equifax.com
Experian http://www.experian.com
Trans Union http://www.transunion.com

Be Careful With Your Finances

Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach home buying from a position of financial stability.