Credit cards help build a credit history. Lenders look at the money at your disposal to make decisions about giving you a loan. The level of "acceptable credit" depends on your income. Too high and you're a risk. Too low, and your banker may wonder why you don't qualify for more.

1. Commitment counts -- older accounts are a sign of a creditworthy borrower, the best credit is old credit.
2. Don't try "fixing up your credit" without talking to a professional. You may think you're going to bump your score up a few notches by canceling a bunch of credit cards, for example. But canceling the wrong ones can seriously damage your credit score.
3. Another possible mistake is to transfer all your credit card balances to one card to get zero balances on the others. Your credit score actually will be higher in most cases if your balances are spread out across several cards.
4. Don't pay off all of your bills. Paying credit cards down to below 50 percent of your credit limit is generally helpful to boosting your score, but paying off all your debts is only wise if you still have enough cash to pay your down payment, closing costs and prepays. Don't use your entire savings to pay off your credit cards.

I am continuing to build my business and I need your help. When a neighbor, friend, or relative mentions buying, selling, or refinancing a home, please give them my number, or email or call me with their information. I am committed to giving my clients the best possible service.