My husband and I want to purchase a home in the Diamond Bar area. Our credit is not that great, but we're working on it. What can we do for approval?

You should start with a Pre qualification from a mortgage professional. Below is a list of documents that you will need in order for the loan officer to give you an accurate assessment of your financial ability to buy a home:   • W-2 forms — or business tax return forms if you're self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.   • Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan.   • Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances.   • Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.   • Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans and car loans. • Addresses where you’ve lived for the last five to seven years, with names of landlords if appropriate.   • Copies of brokerage account statements for two to four months, as well as a list of any other major assets of value, such as a boat, RV, or stocks or bonds not held in a brokerage account.   • Copies of your most recent 401(k) or other retirement account statement.   • Documentation to verify additional income, such as child support or a pension.   • Copies of personal tax forms for the last two to three years.   If you need a referral foe a competent mortgage professional, just let us know. - Richard and Janine Kirchnavy  

Please make sure you are working with someone who can guide you the right direction while working on your credit. All your liabilities do not need to be paid off if your income is high. For example if you have a $10,000.00 credit card balance and the payment is $200 a month, your would be better using your money for the down payment instead of paying off the credit card. Once again, find someone to lead you through the process so that you have a 3, 6 or 12 month plan so that you can be ready to buy your home.