What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home but worry your credit score isn’t “good enough,” you’re not alone.

According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers either don’t know what score lenders are actually looking for — or they assume it has to be higher than it really does.

Let that sink in.

Most folks think their credit has to be perfect to even start the conversation about buying a home. But here’s the truth — that belief might be holding you back from an opportunity that’s already within reach.

There’s No Magic Number

Contrary to what you might have heard, there’s no single credit score that guarantees a “yes” from a lender. It all depends on the type of loan you’re going for. FHA, VA, USDA, conventional — each one has its own flexibility and guidelines.

What really matters is sitting down with a real lender (not just Googling!) and understanding what’s possible for you. Like FICO puts it:

“There is no single ‘cutoff score’ used by all lenders... each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable.”

That’s why it’s so important to have the right people on your team — people who know the programs, understand the market, and can help you map out a real game plan.

Why Your Credit Score Still Matters

Now don’t get me wrong — your credit score still plays a big role. Lenders use it to see how responsible you are with money. Do you pay on time? Keep your balances low? Stay out of major trouble?

The better your score, the better your chances of qualifying for favorable loan terms — including a lower interest rate. And in today’s market, your rate affects your monthly payment a lot. Even a slight bump in your score can lead to serious long-term savings.

Want To Improve Your Score? Start Here:

If you check your score and it’s not where you want it to be, don’t stress. You can absolutely work on it — and the sooner you start, the better. Here are a few tried-and-true steps:

• Always pay your bills on time — yes, even those tiny ones.

• Work on lowering your credit card balances — less is more here.

• Check your credit report for errors — and fix any mistakes you find.

• Avoid opening new credit lines right now — too many can ding your score temporarily.

Even small changes can add up over time.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need perfect credit to become a homeowner. But knowing where you stand — and having a plan — makes all the difference.

If you’re not sure what’s possible for you, let’s talk. I can connect you with a trusted local lender who’ll give you honest answers, helpful advice, and help you map out your next steps.

Homeownership might be a lot closer than you think.