If you think it might be time to become king or queen of your castle, you should be congratulated! Home ownership is a huge step, and it also happens to be one of the moments where it's most important to be knowledgeable about your credit and well versed in what a range of scores can mean for your mortgage options. As you begin your search process, you'll want to understand where the financial boundaries of your search lay: there's nothing worse than finding the perfect property that's just beyond your grasp. Understanding a few key credit metrics can help you square your own scores up against averages to see how far your funds can take you. The search for new housing can be an exciting time. Make sure you arm yourself with information about your credit early so you know exactly what you can afford before your search begins.