For the first time in years, millennials are optimistic about buying homes — and, for that reason, 2015 may be one of the strongest years for the housing market yet. More specifically, a recent survey by Realtor.com of individuals visiting their website shows that, in just six months, the percentage of those millennials who hope to buy a home in the next three months climbed from 54 to 65%. Why are attitudes shifting so quickly? For now, the answer or answers to that question are mostly speculation. A growing housing market (meaning more houses up for sale) and a recovering economy are some of the most likely reasons.

However, millennials — and particularly those who are would-be home buyers — aren’t necessarily out of the woods yet. There are still a few things America’s youth needs to carefully think about and address before purchasing a home:

The Number One Obstacle
The number one problem getting in the way of millennials’ dreams to own a home is a credit score that leaves something to be desired. Poor credit can easily get in the way of buying your home — and that’s a big deal, given that 75% of Americans have credit scores under 700. Improving your score gives you more options (that is, you will be eligible for more mortgage types and loan types) and increases your chances securing your mortgage or your home loan period.

It’s All About Savings
The next big thing to consider is the down payment. Whether you choose a 10, 15, or 30 year mortgage, putting money down is a must. Industry experts recommend putting down at least 20% when buying your home. Of course, saving up even more for a down payment will only lower payments and/or interest rates and benefit you in the long run.

More millennials plan to enter the housing market within the next year — and, with some careful planning, would-be homeowners can realize their dreams as soon as possible.

Student loan debt is on the rise — with the average student now graduating with debt “approaching $30,000,” according to U.S. News and the Institute for College Access and Success. While this isn’t good news based on any measure, new studies show it may have even more of an impact than people think. Student loan debt has already lead to an 8% decrease in mortgages and home purchases among Americans ages 20 to 39, and, if prospective home buyers do not take action, that is only likely to get worse. Thankfully, there are plenty of things U.S. men and women can do to reverse this downward trend. Here are just a few:

Reduce And Restructure Debt
Fixed mortgages are the most common loan type or mortgage type, accounting for three-quarters of all home loans. Of course, for many young Americans, the trick is getting a mortgage — any mortgage — in the first place. Reducing and/or restructuring debt is one of the best ways to do it. And paying off student loans in their entirety isn’t strictly necessary. Young Americans and prospective home buyers can also pay off other debts whenever and wherever possible. For example, if it is more feasible to pay off credit card debit, do it. This will reduce your debt-to-income ratio and improve your credit score (with more than 75% of Americans having a score below 700). Another option for reducing debt and ultimately securing the best type of home loan is to restructure current debt. Refinancing auto loans — or putting it in the other partner’s name (a smart option if one of you stays at home) — is another way to do it.

Increase Income
This way may be easier said than done, but, if student loan debt is simply a reality that you cannot avoid, weight the possibility of increasing your income. Is it possible to get a second job? Is is possible to work overtime? Doing these things may not be easy, but they ultimately go a long way when it comes to securing your mortgage and buying your home.

The best type of home loan for many young Americans isn’t one that is 10, 15, or 30 years long — it is the one that they can afford, and reliably secure. Increase your chances of qualifying for a home loan by reducing debts and/or increasing income.