1. Get In Financial shape: Any past due bills must show as current on your credit report. Look at your income to debt ratio and if it will be close, try to pay off some credit card debt or keep the car a little longer than first planned.

2. Check All Three Credit Reporting Bureaus: It's impossible to know which of the three credit bureaus a particular lender will use so you must check each one. Something that was cleared up on one may show up on another and if that's the one your lender is using, you go from being on the offense to the defense. There will always be a surprise…just try to keep them to a minimum.

3. Get Pre-Approved: If you are approved for a specific amount prior to making an offer, you have a strong position to get the house for a lower price because you are considered a qualified buyer who can close quickly.

4. Find The Best Mortgage Program: Shop around for low rates, low closing costs where phone calls and emails are promptly returned.

Buying a house has some built in stress to the process that cannot be completely eliminated. With some advance planning, you can get the home of your dreams. The fun part is looking and then moving in. Following these four steps, makes the step in between the two worth the effort.

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