: You may still qualify, but you are typically required to provide a 10% down payment. Conventional Loans (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) :
While the "magic number" can vary by lender, these were the standard industry benchmarks for 2017: : 580 or higher : Allows for a down payment as low as 3.5%.
: A higher score provides a "buffer" if other parts of your application (like your debt-to-income ratio) are less than perfect. 2017 Market Context credit score to buy a house 2017
: For FHA and conventional loans with low down payments, your credit score can influence the cost of your Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
: Applicants with a score of 640 or higher often benefit from automated underwriting, while those below may face stricter manual review. Why the Score Matters : You may still qualify, but you are
In 2017, the minimum credit score required to buy a house generally depends on the type of mortgage loan you are seeking, but most lenders look for a score of at least for conventional loans . Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Type in 2017
Following the tighter credit restrictions after the 2008 financial crisis, 2017 saw a slight loosening of credit standards. However, the average credit score for closed mortgages remained high, often averaging above , as lenders remained cautious and prioritized "prime" borrowers. 2017 Market Context : For FHA and conventional
: This is generally the absolute minimum. Scores below this are often considered too risky for standard conventional financing. VA Loans (Department of Veterans Affairs) :