I often get questions from buyers about how to pay off debts before a home purchase. Here are my top tips, in order of importance.
Disclosure: I'm Not a CPA or CFP
General advice:
Keep up with minimum payments across all accounts.
Establish a budget & stick to it if you don't already have one that you stick to.
Get educated on credit.
If possible, increase your income.
Get educated on taxes.
Don't neglect warranties & insurance.
Don't establish new "bad debt."
Keep separate designated accounts for major fixed expenses w/ no monthly fees or transfer fees incurred.
Avenues to consider to pay off debt:
Seek a specialist or group that specializes for direct assistance.
Consider the debt snowball.
Consider a debt consolidation loan.
If you have a VA loan, consider having the seller help.
Consider 1 or a few credit cards with a 0% APR, but mind the risk of these if you don't have at least 6 months of proven budgeting/savings growth track record.
If you already own a home, consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC).
Avenues to consider when purchasing:
Use a loan with no down payment & possibly no or limited closing costs.
Consider down payment assistance or another program to reduce home costs such as help with closing costs
Consider tapping a retirement account, but some are better than others.