If you're like most homeowners, you probably believe that one missed mortgage payment won't have a noticeable impact on your FICO score. People get behind now and then, and besides, you've been faithfully making payments on time for years. How bad could it be?

One of the most significant factors a mortgage lender will review when you apply for a new mortgage loan is your credit history and rating. While some people have stellar credit, others have a troubled credit history with lower scores. If you fall into the latter scenario, you may be wondering how lenders will assess your credit situation when you apply for a mortgage in the near future.

If you are self-employed, either as a freelancer or as the owner of your own business, your income can fluctuate greatly from year to year. That can make it difficult to get approved for a mortgage, although there are some things you can do to improve your chances. Here are three tips for securing a mortgage if you are self-employed.

So - you've completed an initial mortgage pre-qualification and now you're ready to take the next step and meet with your lender or mortgage advisor for the pre-approval interview. Are you ready? Let's take a quick look at a few questions you should know the answers to before you go in for a mortgage pre-approval.