What to get next to round out my CR

[wonderandawe]

I currently have two cards.  A Discover IT for $7000 and a Capital One Secure for $1000.   I will be closing the Capital One Secure before the new AF hits in May.

I was going to apply for one (perhaps two) new cards.   I'm planning on getting a new car in June or July.   Should I apply for the new card before?  Or wait until after?   

A year or two after we buy the new car, we are probably going to be buying a house.  Do I need three cards on my credit report for a mortgage?   Do I need a retail card?

Thanks!

[wHiTeSoL]

Car first, then two cards then garden. 

[wonderandawe]

Thanks for the response!

Should I close out the Capital One Secure before or after the car. The annual fee will hit before we plan to buy the car, but I'll keep it open if it is better.