I know FT mods hate new threads. I was trying to see if there's any existinh threads on this topic but couldn't find one so please feel free to direct me to the appropriate thread.

I've not been applying for credit since past 6 months as I was planning to get a mortgage in the next 1-2 years. Almost all of the credit card applications have been on my wife's name as she doesn't work and her credi won't come in to plan in the mortgage. I understand the general concensus is that you shouldn't apply for credit at least 1-2 years before you are planning to issue the mortgage. However at the same time I do not want to be missing out on the lucrative CC offers which usually arrive only once in a while (like Citi Executive AA). My FICO scores are in the range of 720-740 and my total credit history is 3 years. Income is very good but I live in a very expensive housing market.

I'm probably becoming too optimistic when I say I'll get the mortgage in 1-2 years. With houses so expensive here, it might take another year for me to save the 20% down payment. That makes me wonder if I should have a couple of App-o-Ramas in the next 6 months (one now & another after 6 months).

Are you currently, or have you been in such a situation in the past? If so, what are your thoughts on this? TIA.