Save more money for a down payment. Lenders will be more willing to work with you if you have funds in the bank, both for a down payment and in savings.

Work on your credit. Pull your credit histories, which can be done for free at annualcreditreport.com, and pay for your credit score. Then, see what areas you need to improve to raise your score. Typically, this involves paying your debts on time and reducing your balances.

Take a first-time home-buyers course. You can get hands-on advice with experts who will help you create a budget and a savings plan, which help you pay down your debts. Also, they can guide through the mortgage process. Nonprofit organizations, such as the Community Development Corp. of Long Island, Nassau County Department of Governmental Affairs Homeownership Center and Long Island Housing Partnership, offer these programs.