Before you start shopping for a new home, it is important to be aware of the essential tasks that must be taken in order to make sure you get the home of your dreams at a price you can afford. To make buying a home easier, below is a list of the do’s and don’ts when buying a new home:

• Do Maintain a Good Credit Score: Lenders look at the credit score of a potential mortgage borrower to make sure they will be able to pay the monthly mortgage payments. It is important that you check your credit rating for any errors and clean up any outstanding bills. Make sure you always pay your bills on time, particularly your credit cards and other loans.

• Do Get Pre-qualified: Before you start searching for a new home, it is important to get pre-qualified for a mortgage from a reputable lender. By getting pre-qualified, you will know much you will able to spend on a new home. This will help you narrow your search for a home you can afford and make legitimate offers. As well, you are more likely to receive an accepted offer if you have a prequalification certificate.

• Do Use a Licensed Real Estate Agent. Real estate agents take the hassle out of the home buying process. The agent will act according to your best interests and will find a home that meets your needs. They are also familiar with the appropriate documentation you will need to get a mortgage, help you arrange for an appraiser, and they will know about all features of home and the surrounding community so that the price you pay is fair.

• Don’t Take on Any New Loans: While you are waiting to get qualified for a mortgage, don’t take out any new loans. It will look bad on your credit rating and it will increase your monthly expenses. Also, it will reduce the amount you can spend as a down payment on the new home.

• Don’t Max Out Credit Cards: If you max out your credit cards, it will drastically reduce your credit score which will reduce your chances of getting a mortgage. If your credit cards are at their limit, consider paying them down before you apply for a mortgage. Also don’t consolidate your credit cards as it will cause your minimum payments to increase and it can hurt your credit score as it will look like you maxed out that one card.

• Don’t Switch Jobs: Lenders look favorably on people who have stayed at one job for a long period of time. It shows your job history is consistent and safe. If you switch jobs before getting approved for a mortgage, it will negatively affect your mortgage approval.

Because buying a new home is such an important life event, it is essential that you have the knowledge of the home buying process and what steps you have to take to ensure you get the best home that meets your and your growing family needs. By doing so, it will help make sure you live comfortable and happily for many years in a home that you love.

Having a high credit score is super-important, especially if you plan on borrowing money soon. But how can you improve it?

Decks and patios not only provide a space for outdoor entertaining, they can also increase your home’s curb or external appeal.  But before you start construction, spend some time thinking about what you're looking for in an outdoor space. The wrong deck or patio can become unused space and an eyesore. The good news is, there are plenty of options with decks and patios that are sure to satisfy anyone’s vision of their perfect outdoor retreat.

Start by thinking about how you’ll want to use the space. Be realistic with your size expectations as well as your budget. Don’t forget to consider the maintenance requirements as well. Wood is the most common material choice for decks, however wood also requires a lot of maintenance. Wood decks should be inspected for loose boards, protruding nails and splinters and they need to be cleaned, sanded and refinished regularly (sometimes as often as once a year).

In general, decks are more affordable than patios, and concrete is often the most durable option and requires the least amount of maintenance. If you like the look of a wood deck, another option is called “alternative decking”, which is composite “wood” made of wood, plastic or aluminum that could be blended with recycled wood fiber, sawdust, plastic or fiberglass. This option better resists the effects of weather, but that doesn’t mean it’s totally maintenance free. You’ll still need to power wash your deck and keep an eye out for any needed repairs.

Patios and terraces are other popular options for outdoor spaces. Patios provide a great place for family barbecues and backyard parties. There are several surface options to choose from: stone, slate, brick, gravel and concrete, just to name a few. Having several options allows you to customize your space exactly to your liking.

A well constructed outdoor space can increase the value and appearance of your home. Once you’ve completed your retreat, be sure to make the most of it by spending lots of time in your outdoor space!

Your credit history is more important than ever. But do you know how to clean it up and keep it looking good?

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A weak housing market received a tiny boost from apartment construction last month. But the overall outlook remained dim as applications for building permits fell to the lowest level in 14 months.

Construction of new homes and apartments rose 1.7 percent last month, according to the Commerce Department. Driving the increase was a 32.6 percent surge in apartment and condominium construction — a small fraction of the market.

Still, requests for building permits, considered a good sign of future activity, fell 3.1 percent.

A rebound in housing is considered critical for a sustained economic recovery. But builders continue to struggle with weak demand for new homes caused by high unemployment and a glut of foreclosed homes on the market.

The July increase in housing construction pushed total activity to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 546,000 units. Building activity in June was weaker than first reported. It fell 8.7 percent to an annual rate of 537,000 units, the slowest pace since October of last year.

Housing construction got a boost earlier in the year when the government offered buyers up to $8,000 in federal tax credits. But after the incentives expired at the end of April, sales and constructions activity slumped.