What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?
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Most mortgages, including conventional loans, require a credit score of 620 or higher.
It’s possible to get an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 500, but many lenders require higher scores.
Borrowers with higher credit scores get better rates and terms than those with low scores.
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Most mortgages, including conventional loans, require a credit score of 620 or higher.
It’s possible to get an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 500, but many lenders require higher scores.
Borrowers with higher credit scores get better rates and terms than those with low scores.
Often, a mortgage is the biggest loan you’ll take out in your lifetime, so it makes sense that lenders require a minimum credit score for mortgages. A good score suggests to lenders that you can make your payments on time.
If you have below average credit, you still have options when it comes to a mortgage. But if you have a higher credit score, you'll generally qualify for more loan options and lower interest rates.
Credit score requirements differ by lender and loan type. For example, conventional loans typically require a higher credit score than government-backed loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
Whether your credit is flawless or average, here’s what to expect when you apply for a mortgage.
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