 TITLE: When Is the Best Time to Buy a House? CONTENT: Making Sure Your Credit Is Mortgage-Ready\n-----------------------------------------\nWhen you apply for a mortgage, the lender requires significant amounts of documentation about your financial health, such as your income, debts and assets. They will also check your credit report, which not only helps determine your eligibility for a mortgage but, if you're approved, what your interest rate will be.\nGoing into the mortgage application process with a higher credit score can land you a lower interest rate and save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. That's why it's wise to spend at least a few months getting your credit ready for a mortgage before you apply. This includes ensuring you make all debt payments on time, pay down credit card balances and check your credit report to ensure all the information is accurate. END