* Lenders look for stability in a borrower. Your past 2 years of credit history will have the greatest impact.

* Regular lenders will look for no late payments over 30 days on rent or mortgages, and no late payments in past 6 months on credit cards. Credit problems over 3years old may be OK if your recent history is solid.

* Never prejudge your credit as too bad to get approved for a mortgage because most expert lenders can usually help you resolve difficult issues.

* Lenders will generally look for a 2 year work history in your current job field. There are always exceptions, including having an education in the area you are working in, service on active duty military or changing job fields for an increase in pay.

* To show more income to qualify, you can count part time, overtime, bonus income, commissions and self employment as long as it has a 2 year history.

* If you are self employed, ask your lender about "No Documentation" loans. These loans may help you get approved because they do not require bank statements or paystubs.

* Find the right lender! If you're having a hard time getting approved it may be that you have not found the right lender. many lenders specialize in helping difficult loans get easily approved. If one lender says "No", another may say "Yes."

* Co-Borrowers can sometimes help get you approved.

* The loan program you select may help or hinder your approval. If you're having a difficult time getting approved, ask for your lender's advice. He or she may have a specialty loan program that may ofer greater flexibility.