There’s talk in the news and throughout the housing market industry that lending giant Wells Fargo is lowering credit scores it requires for prospective home buyers financing with FHA loans. While this may seem – on the surface at least - like great news for Americans looking to buy a home … we approach this move with cautious optimism.

One of the "don'ts" when buying a home and securing your financing is a job change. Losing your job is tough and can impact your chances of mortgage approval drastically. Lenders want to know that you can pay your bills. No job, no income, no mortgage loan. However, a job change can also give lenders a reason to reconsider.

Making your monthly mortgage payment probably doesn't top your list of favorite activities but it's certainly a task you don't want to overlook. After all, your home is likely your largest financial investment and with each payment you make you're building equity in your home, which can be a powerful way to build wealth over your lifetime.