Recipe to a Credit Score. 

What do lenders use to establish your credit score?  Most lenders use the middle score of the major three repositories.  If more than one buyer is on a loan then the lower of the two middle scores will be used for qualifying purpose.

 How is credit scores derived?

There are 5/6 major categories that will determine credit scoring.

1. Past delinquency-People who have a history of timely payment
2. Payment history on overall credit
3. The total amount of debt  you owe and the % used
4. Length of credit established
5. Pattern of recent history
6. The mix of credit you hold 

Most loan products have a minimum credit requirement. Lower credit scores may have a change of rate and also require a greater down payment.

 The first step in buying a home is having a mortgage prequalification and your credit checked. Then when you are out looking for a home you will know the exact amount of mortgage that your budget can handle.