The credit and financial choices you make today can shape your chances of getting a mortgage in the future. If you have a tarnished credit history, you still may be able to qualify but it will be a document-heavy process.

A mortgage is the largest form of credit a consumer can obtain, so be prepared to prove yourself credit-worthy. Your credit history is important because it not only informs your credit score, but it also provides further insight into how you have, use and maintain your credit obligations.

Lenders will give consumers’ credit a closer look if their history shows a greater possibility that they might not make a mortgage payment on time.

So when you go to buy a house, be prepared for these little lending nuances that may arise if you have an inconsistent credit history.

If You Have a Lower Credit Score

Your payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score, so an unsatisfactory payment history can lead to a lower credit score, possibly resulting in a score less than 660. Conversely, if you pay your loans on time, or as agreed, you’ll tend to have a higher credit score.

Usually a combination of factors lead to a score in the 620-659 range, such as high credit card balances, closed credit cards, a charged-off account or collections with old balances, or little credit as whole. Borrowers with credit scores in this range will have to provide explanations to the lender regarding negative items on their credit history, such as any possible collection accounts, charged-off accounts or delinquencies.

If you have a score within the 620-659 range, you can expect to pay more for a conventional fixed-rate loan. (It can get even pricier if you have little equity to offer, in the realm of less than 10% down.) It would not be unreasonable for a borrower to pay as much as o.375% higher in rate than someone with good credit and a higher down payment. That may seem like a small amount, but it can translate into thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

If You Don’t Pass Automated Underwriting

All mortgage lenders selling loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac use what’s called “automated underwriting” on each loan application.

When you submit an application for a mortgage, the lender will run an automated underwriting system analysis on your credit, debt, income and assets. Effectively, automated underwriting is an algorithm that comprehensively reviews the borrower’s total financial picture. If automated underwriting results show anything other than “approve eligible“ or “accept accept,” you may not qualify without making some adjustments. These adjustments could include increasing your down payment, showing more savings in the bank, procuring a co-signer, changing your loan program (to an FHA loan, for example) or loan term, and taking time to clean up your credit history.