My boyfriend and I would like to buy a house. It doesn't have to be very big, we just want a cute little place to raise our daughter (who is due on Aug 25 =) ) We checked our credit reports, his is almost non-existant, he has one account in good standing and nothing else. I on the other hand, have not-so-great credit, with a score of 591. I had some medical bills that went to collections and have since been paid off, but have left key derogatory marks in the mean time. We want to be realistic about this, and not jump into a bad or not-so-great deal. Our lease is up in May 2008 and we would like to buy around that time, IF it is right for us. We are planning on getting married sometime next year, would it be more beneficial for us to be married BEFORE we attempt to buy, or does it not matter? Also, what steps can I take to repair my credit, and what can he do to help build his? We are trying to go about this as smart and rationally as possible, but honestly we don't know much about it. ANY advice would be helpful, thank you.

As long as you are already planning on getting married, it does cut down on afew last name issues. Also depending on where you live and your ages it can reduce your car insurance. The only way for your BF to get any credit rating is to jump right in. make sure any bills are, if possible, in both names and apply for the home loan together. He may not have any credit rating but he has an income I assume, you will just be registered as the primary. Phone up any companies that you had any bills sent to collections with, and request a letter stating that the bill has been paid, the acount cancelled, the delinquent payment forgiven...