As anyone who’s applied for a credit card, a loan or a lease (not to mention a mortgage) can tell you, your credit rating matters. And while it’s important to remember that you can’t raise your score overnight, there are some steps you can take that will improve it over time. Consider these:

1. Always pay your bills on time. This factor carries a lot of weight in how your credit score is factored so don’t allow yourself to believe that being late once in a while doesn’t really matter because it really does! This essentially is what good credit is all about. When you’ve established yourself as someone who can consistently pay what you owe, you prove you are a responsible credit user. Also, the longer you’ve been paying on time, the better.

2. Pay down your debt. If you haven’t been paying your credit cards on time (thus the problem with your credit in the first place), the best way to repair the damage is also the simplest: pay down the debt! Simplest in getting results but this can seem impossible and overwhelming. Taking the time to do some reading and studying on what will be the best method for you to follow to reduce your debt will definitely pay off with a less stressed lifestyle and the ability to make life decisions such as buying a home with confidence.

3. Don’t apply for multiple cards at one time or within short spans of time. It’s a common misconception that having many cards = better credit. In reality, the key is establishing good credit over time, and that’s why it’s not smart to open lots of cards at once. Doing so may red flag your credit rating that you may be not handling your money well. Better to have only a couple of cards that you consistently pay on time or off monthly which will allow you to see credit increases on those cards which then in turn will show you are a low risk buyer.

4. Know the facts. Did you know paying off a collection account won’t take it off your report? Not for seven years. Did you also know closing unused credit cards can possibly lower your score? This can negatively change your debt to credit % causing your score to drop even though you, in essence are still a good risk. Knowing these things can make a difference in how you approach credit.

5. Check your reports. Want to know what your current credit report reveals? The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires three reporting agencies — Trans Union, Equifax, Trans Union and Experian—to provide you with an annual report, free of charge. For more information, click here. Most credit cards now offer free monthly or quarterly FICO scores that you can review online. This does not include your full report but does give you your score and what is positively or negatively affecting it. It also typically will notify you if there has been a change up or down in your score.

6. Dispute errors. One of the reasons it’s such a good idea to check your credit is that there may be errors affecting your score. When you check your annual reports, be prepared to dispute any incorrect items. If you receive a notification from one of your credit cards that your score has changed check it out immediately so you can get the problem resolved asap. This is especially important in the event your identity has been compromised.

So, yes, your credit score matters a lot if you want to be a homeowner but don’t stress. Instead become actively involved in improving your score and then maintaining it so there is a history of great progress and upkeep. Unlike what you might have heard, you can control your score. You just have to control your mind focus on getting it done!