Hey home shoppers! If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz around credit scores. And I get it—it’s one of those topics that feels like it should be straightforward… but somehow, it’s not.

So let’s clear up the confusion and talk about what credit score you actually need to buy a house—without all the lender-speak and fine print.

First off—what is a credit score?

Your credit score is basically your financial trustworthiness boiled down to a three-digit number. It ranges from 300 to 850, and the higher your score, the better you look to lenders.

So, what’s the magic number to buy a home?

It depends on the type of loan you’re going for. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• FHA Loans: Minimum score is 580 with 3.5% down (yes, really). You can go as low as 500, but that requires a 10% down payment and manual underwriting—something we can walk through together if needed.
• Conventional Loans (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac): Typically, you’ll want a score of 620 or higher. The better your score, the better your rate and mortgage insurance terms.
• VA Loans: No official minimum, but most lenders look for a 580–620+ score, but I can go as low as 500 if there are no late payments in the last 12 months. If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, we should definitely talk—this loan is a game-changer.
• USDA Loans: These are for rural and suburban buyers. Most lenders want to see a 640 or higher for streamlined approval but I can go as low a 580.
• Jumbo Loans: These require higher credit scores with most lenders usually 700+ because they go above the conforming loan limits. I can go as low as 580.

Does a higher credit score really save me money?

Absolutely. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate. That means you could save tens of thousands over the life of your loan. I’ve seen buyers with excellent credit snag lower monthly payments for the same house as someone with fair credit.

What if my credit score isn’t quite there yet?

You are NOT alone, and this doesn’t mean homeownership is off the table. Here’s the deal:

1. I’ll help you review your credit report and identify quick wins.
2. I can refer you to an amazing DIY credit repair program if you want to take control.
3. We can explore low-score loan options or even get you pre-qualified while you’re working on improving your score.

You don’t have to have perfect credit to become a homeowner. You just need a plan—and I’m here to help you make it happen.

Check Your Credit Score
Start by reviewing your credit report. If there are errors or outdated accounts, now’s the time to address them. Your credit score plays a big role in determining the loan programs and interest rates you qualify for.

Here’s how you can check your credit:

• You’re entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com.
• For a more detailed view of your credit — including your mortgage-specific FICO scores — I recommend using our preferred credit monitoring service through MyScoreIQ. It provides real-time updates and tools to help you improve your score over time.

Use my referral link here to get started:
MyScoreIQ Mortgage Credit Report Access

Whether you’re just starting or need help rebuilding, understanding your credit is the first step toward getting pre-approved.

Wait—Why Is My Free Credit Score Different From What Lenders See?

This is a super common (and very frustrating) question I hear all the time. You go online, check your credit score on Credit Karma, Experian, or your credit card app—and then I pull your credit for a mortgage and… it’s lower. What gives?

Here’s the deal:

The score you see online is usually a VantageScore.
That’s a scoring model built for consumers—great for general financial wellness, but not what mortgage lenders use.

Mortgage lenders use FICO scores—and not just one FICO, either.
We typically pull a tri-merge credit report with three FICO versions:

• FICO 2 (Experian)
• FICO 4 (TransUnion)
• FICO 5 (Equifax)

These are older FICO scoring models, specifically designed for mortgage lending. They tend to be stricter, especially if you’ve had late payments, collections, or high balances.

We use your middle score, not the average.
If your three scores are 601, 638, and 655—we go with the 638. That’s what determines your loan eligibility and pricing.

---

So what does that mean for you?

Don’t panic if your Credit Karma score says 680 and I tell you your mortgage score is 640. That’s totally normal—and it’s why I always recommend getting pre-approved early. It gives us time to look at your real scores and, if needed, put a plan in place to boost them before you buy.

Need help reviewing your credit reports or figuring out how close you are? I’ve got you.

Ready to find out where you stand?

Whether your credit score is 520 or 820, let’s have a quick, judgment-free conversation. I’ll help you understand your options and map out a path forward.

Click here to start your free pre-qualification (or let’s schedule a call at (214) 945-1066!)