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1. Develop a family budget. Instead of budgeting what you'd like to spend, use receipts to
create a budget for what you actually spent over the last six months. One advantage of this
approach is that it factors in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, illnesses, etc., as
well as predictable costs such as rent.
2. Reduce your debt. Generally speaking, lenders look for a total debt load of no more than
36 percent of income. Since this figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges
between 25 percent and 28 percent of income, you need to get the rest of installment
debt'car loans, student loans, revolving balances on credit cards'down to between 8 percent
and 10 percent of your total income.
3. Get a handle on expenses. You probably know how much you spend on rent and utilities, but
little expenses add up. Try writing down everything you spend for one month. You'll probably
see some great ways to save.
4. Increase your income. It may be necessary to take on a second, part-time job to get your
income at a high-enough level to qualify for the home you want.
5. Save for a down payment. Although it's possible to get a mortgage with only 5 percent
down'or even less in some cases'you can usually get a better rate and a lower overall cost
if you put down more. Shoot for saving a 20 percent down payment.
6. Create a house fund. Don't just plan on saving whatever's left toward a
down payment. Instead decide on a certain amount a month you want to save, then put it away as you pay
your monthly bills.
7. Keep your job. While you don't need to be in the same job forever to qualify, having a
job for less than two years may mean you have to pay a higher interest rate.
8. Establish a good credit history. Get a credit card and make payments by the due date. Do
the same for all your other bills. Pay off the entire balance promptly.
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