Improving credit score for purchasing properties

[Todd R.]

Is there anyone on here that is a credit specialist??  I have always heard the having credit cards open for long periods of time shows you have good length of credit. So, I dont want to pay off all credit cards because that would leave me with little left, but I can pay off a few... Should I pay off the newest cards that i have had open for only a few years first and close those accounts and leave the oldest credit accounts open that i have had for more than 10 years?   I have about 5 credit cards, not tons of debt maybe $12k total between the 5.... I would like to pay the newest 3 off and leave the last 2 open which i have had for 10 years... thanks