1) Find out your credit score on all relevant credit bureaus. Don't ever let a loan officer tell you what your credit is. They are schooled in finding ways to make extra money off of you. The better educated you are, the harder it will be for the loan officer to pull a fast one on you. If you do have some issues, clean them up first. It isn't hard to get some dings off your credit and this will save you a lot.

3) If you do not currently own a house, get pre-approved before making offers. Real estate agents are in the business of selling and will place an offer faster than you can blink an eye. Remember, its your earnest money you are putting down (usually $1,000) and if you don't qualify or can't close in time you can lose it. Just like with credit card offers, pre qualified means absolutely nothing. On a high demand real estate listing most sellers won't take an offer if you aren't pre approved. In many cases, they will not negotiate favourably with you without a letter of approval from your bank or lending institution. Carry your pre-approval with you when you house shop and watch what hurdles homeowners will go through for you.