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Minimum Credit Scores
You can buy a home with a lower score than many people expect.
- Conventional: No official minimum, but most lenders want 620+
- FHA: 580+ (sometimes 500–579 with higher down payment)
- VA: No official minimum, but most lenders want 580–600+
- USDA: Typically around 620
How Your Score Impacts Your Loan
- Better scores reduce mortgage insurance
- Better scores offer more loan options
- Better scores qualify for better rates
Quick Ways to Improve Your Score
- Pay credit cards down below 30 percent
- Avoid opening new accounts
- Don’t close long-standing accounts
- Avoid major purchases before pre-approval
A lender can run simulations to show how small changes affect your score.