 TITLE: Is a Recession a Good Time to Buy a House? CONTENT: The Importance of Good Credit in a Recession\n--------------------------------------------\nLenders' tendency to tighten lending requirements in a recession doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage, but it makes it more important than ever to make your credit profile the best it can be before applying for one—or for any other kind of loan or credit.\nBefore you apply for a mortgage, and ideally six to 12 months ahead of time, review your credit report and check your credit score to know where you stand as a loan applicant.\nIf you see any inaccuracies or fraud in your credit report, use the dispute process to get them corrected.\nConsider taking additional steps to tidy up your credit and give your credit score a boost. END