Credit Score for Mortgages

Strictly speaking, you don’t need a credit score to buy a house. If you’re paying cash, for example, no one necessarily cares whether you have good credit. However, if — like most aspiring American homeowners — you’ll need financing, then your credit score is crucial.

Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.

So, what is a good score if you want to buy a house? It depends on the type of mortgage you’re seeking: Many loans vary when it comes to the credit score needed to qualify. Generally speaking, you’ll likely need a score of at least 620 — what’s classified as a “fair” rating — to qualify with most lenders. With a Federal Housing Administration loan, though, you might be able to get approved with a score as low as 500.

Why your credit score matters to lenders