Plagued by a tight credit market and foreclosures, lenders are wary. Here's how to get your loan painlessly. Remember down payments? They're back in vogue with home lenders. Here's how to come up with the cash. As mortgage lending standards get tighter, the once-overlooked Veterans Affairs loan is making a comeback. Thinking of renovating your home? Here are four things to avoid if you may want to sell down the road.