By: Craig Donofrio via http://www.realtor.com/advice/5-tips-manage-credit-buy/

Lenders don’t like surprises when it comes to mortgage applicants. And when it comes to applying for a mortgage or looking to refinance, you don’t want any, either.

Yet many people forget to pull their credit report before they go house hunting—or they do it at the last minute—and they don’t know how to handle a poor credit score or a pockmarked report.

If there are any problems on your report, you’ll want to fix them beforehand and be prepared to explain the ones that stick around. Here are five tips on how to handle your credit and your credit report when it’s time to buy a home.

1. Don’t lie or hide the truth

Most people instinctively try to hide or shy away from bad news. Don’t do this with your lender. It’s basically impossible to hide bad news from lenders forever, and when they…