[Hedwig]

The first thing you need to do is get copies of your credit reports from each of the three credit reporting agencies. See what is there, and if it is reporting correctly or not.

As someone pointed out, this payment history probably won't help you. You need to have a mix of credit, and a lot of emphasis is put on revolving debt.

If I were you, I would start saving, as a previous poster stated. Many people get into financial trouble when they don't realize how much money you need just to maintain a house. You can't call the landlord when something needs to be fixed. You either do it yourself or call someone--except now you have to pay them.

I would also apply for a credit card. If you can't get an unsecured card, try for a secured card that doesn't report as secured. Charge something every month and pay it off. Use it for things you would use cash for, and put the cash aside to pay it.

Go to your credit union or bank, open a savings account, then apply for a loan secured by your savings account. Repay it according to the terms of the loan. Try to get a one-year loan, so in a year you'll have a year's worth of managing a credit card and a paid installment loan on your reports. You'll also have some money in the bank, and you'll be on your way to buying a house.