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.