Some borrowers never review their credit history before submitting a home loan application and just assume that previous non-payments are forgotten. Whether the non-payment is from another bank or the lender where you are hoping to get a loan, this assumption is a mistake. Banks and other lenders typically share information on delinquent (non-paying) borrowers and history of non-payment is a big red flag for lenders.

Clean up your credit history by paying bills on time, eliminating credit card balances, and, if you have unpaid loans, pay them off and get a certificate of payment from the lending institution. Be sure not to mess up your credit during the loan processing as diligent lenders sometimes check your credit history a second time to see if anything has changed.

Read more: I Can’t Pay My Credit Card Bill—Now What?