Most of us really don't worry about our credit score until we go to buy something, particularly a home and then that little number becomes really important to us.  Here are some tips to keep in mind if your score is not particularly stellar.

If you have one credit card with a high balance and several others with low or no balances, distribute that debt evenly between all the cards.  This will change your ratio of debt to credit.

If you have a credit card that you never use, don't close it just  because it is inactive.  Keep it open and use it periodically, pay off the next month. This will add to your long term credit history.

Did you know that if you decide to opt for one of those "pre-approved" credit card offers that comes in the mail that the company will run your credit report and this will temporarily impact your credit score.  It is best to only have between 2 to 5 credit card accounts.  This includes gas and department store cards, not just bank cards.   

These are just a few of the things that will contribute to your credit score.  Other things that you must do is make timely payments and keep your balances as low as possible.  This and the tips above will help you to get the score you want to buy the house of your dreams.