In the last few months, lending standards for potential home buyers have been increasing even for those with steady employment, good credit and cash for down payment. Let’s examine some strategies you should consider when trying to get the home loan you need.

Build Your Credit Score. Avoid black marks on your credit history. Even if you’ve paid them off, things such as late payments and unpaid tax bills remain on your credit history for seven years. To better your credit score in the short run, pay down current loans, reduce credit lines and cancel credit cards that you don’t use very often.

Bring Documents. When applying for a home loan, be prepared to provide the lender with proof of income. This would include W-2 forms for the previous year, tax returns for the last three years if you’re self-employed and documents for other assets.

Raise Your Down Payment. To better your chances of qualifying for a home loan you should put more money down. Despite how much you make or how good your credit, having less than 5% of the purchase price for down payment could mean your’re out of luck.

Reduce Your Loan Amount. Plain and simple, don’t get more than you need.