What Credit Score You Need To — Buy A Home

Lenders typically use these baseline scores for the major 2026 mortgage programs: : 580 minimum for a 3.5% down payment.

Your credit score places you into "tiers" that dictate your interest rate and mortgage insurance costs. For a $300,000 loan, the difference between a fair and excellent score can be significant: Average Mortgage Rates by Credit Score - Experian what credit score you need to buy a home

Scores between 500 and 579 are possible but usually require a 10% down payment. : 620 minimum. Lenders typically use these baseline scores for the

: No official government minimum score, though most lenders require 580–620 . what credit score you need to buy a home

As of late 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have moved toward more holistic risk assessments, but most individual lenders still enforce the 620 floor.