Good afternoon, all. I've been reading through these forums, since I have been obsessing about my credit score for the last 2 years or so, but haven't really done much research or found any good forums...until now. A little background: I'm 25, my fiancee is 24, we've both had jobs in our major for 2 years now out of college (that first year out was killer, neither of us found a job in our major) and I proposed a few months ago with a very nice ring, much to the dismay of my newest credit card. For some credit background: I somehow was smart enough...and dumb enough at the same time...to get myself a credit card at age 18. I was relatively good about paying it all off at first, but got worse and worse, but always paid double my minimum. Then I went to Japan for a study abroad during the summer, which meant I didn't work as much (during college i only worked during the summer) so that first semester back's books put me over the limit on my card after nearly maxing it out in Japan. So, of course, i missed a month's payment, went over the limit, got service charges and late payment charges and over limit charges, which, of course, led me to freaking out and not telling my parents, which led me to missing 4 payments in a row before asking them for help. Then, problem #2, 3 years later I was unemployed for 3 months and missed one payment. Other than those 2 things, my credit report is pretty clean, exept for inquiries, but I assume that's normal (apartment companies, my car, a few new cc's). I have a 2 credit cards from visa, 2 mastercards, a discover, and a bank card. I have a Kohls charge card, a Honda finance account, and a strong record of paying rent on time along with all other cards except that one that plagued my past for too long (it is now paid off). All my debt is at 0% APR for the next 10-11 months(Thanks Chase!). Ok, now we're current. Oh, except for her: She didn't get a credit card until after college, but has always paid the full balance and has a ton of money saved up, whereas after the ring i bought her, I am back in relatively major debt. Ok, NOW we're current. So, we're looking to purchase a house soonish, my credit isn't horrible (691-697 depending on the bureau) and hers is near mine, but a little less, i believe, since my length of credit history is stronger than hers, plus i have a higher limit and other such things. She makes a good income (40K) as do I (50K before my annual raise in July, so, maybe 53-55K). My question is: Do you think we should wait until my cc debt (13K, mostly the ring) is paid off before applying for a mortgage, thus raising my credit score, (and hers, simply based on time) or do you think we'd be in good shape to go ahead and apply now? The market around here calls for a minimum of a 230K mortgage, but we're looking around the 290K level and I'm worried we might not get approved for that amount. Also, if we're looking at July to be done and moved, should I get pre-approved now? How will that negatively effect me in the long run if I get pre-approved by 3 or 4 places with them checking my credit (all within 14 days
) but not closing for another 2 months? Should I take the effort to try and get discover to bump those old indiscretions off my record? Should I try to get the credit inquiries that were on my record in the past taken off somehow? What are my options? Let me know what you guys think!?