 TITLE: Can I Buy a House With a 700 Credit Score? CONTENT: Check Your Credit Before Applying For a Mortgage\n------------------------------------------------\nMortgage lenders take an extremely close look at your credit reports before accepting your mortgage application, so it's essential that you know what's on them and how they might impact your chances of getting approved with favorable terms.\nMore specifically, mortgage lenders will look for the following things:\n*   Payment history, including past-due payments, defaults and collection accounts\n*   Past foreclosures, repossessions and bankruptcies\n*   Authorized user accounts versus accounts where you're the primary cardholder\n*   Credit utilization (how much of your available credit on credit cards you're currently using)\n*   Recent credit applications\n*   Disputes\nIf you're thinking of buying a home soon, it's a good idea to start checking your credit report at least three months before you apply. This will give you enough time to look for your risk factors and any red flags that could keep you from getting the financing you need. END