

They’re meant for veterans, active-duty military members and eligible surviving spouses. VA loans are loans that are guaranteed by the U.S. With a higher credit score-one that’s at least 580-you may qualify with a down payment as low as 3.5%. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) says you may qualify for an FHA loan with a credit score of 500 as long as you put down at least 10%. These loans require smaller down payments than other types of mortgages. Mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are designed for people with less-than-perfect credit. Lenders usually look for a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Keep in mind: For a conventional mortgage, you’ll also typically need a low debt-to-income ratio, which measures how much of your monthly income goes toward debt expenses. But lenders can raise their own requirements. Most conventional loans are backed by mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.įannie Mae says that conventional loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620. Making on-time payments, keeping your credit utilization low and avoiding unnecessary credit applications can help improve your credit scores before buying a house.Ī conventional loan is a mortgage that’s not insured by a government agency.

Requirements for government-backed loans-like FHA loans, VA loans and USDA loans-change depending on the size of down payments, the lender and more.Borrowers applying for conventional mortgage loans might need a credit score of 620 or higher to qualify.Read on to learn more about credit scores and how they impact the home-buying process. But you may qualify for a government-sponsored loan with a lower score. According to mortgage company Fannie Mae, a conventional loan usually requires a credit score of at least 620. The minimum credit score needed to buy a house depends on the mortgage program and the lender. And the better your credit scores, the better chance you may have of being approved for a mortgage-and at a lower interest rate. That’s because the lender will typically check your credit scores when you apply for a mortgage.Ī good credit score generally makes you an attractive borrower because it shows you’ve managed your credit well. Your credit scores can be an important factor in the home-buying process.
