What credit score do I need to buy a house?
By AbeAugust 12, 2026Purchase Loans
Short Answer
There is no single credit score required for every mortgage. Minimums vary by loan program and lender, and approval also depends on income, debts, down payment, reserves, and recent credit history.
Full Detailed Answer
A higher score can expand your options and may improve pricing, but the score shown in a consumer app may not be the mortgage score used by a lender. Mortgage underwriting also looks beyond the number to payment history, balances, recent inquiries, collections, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and disputed accounts.
Some government-insured and portfolio programs can consider lower scores, while conventional, jumbo, investment, bank statement, ITIN, or foreign-national programs may use different thresholds. A minimum guideline does not guarantee approval, and individual lenders can apply additional requirements.
Before applying, avoid opening new debt, making late payments, or charging large balances. If the score needs improvement, a loan officer can review the report and identify actions that may help without guessing or disputing accurate information.
What Abe Will Review
- Mortgage-specific credit scores
- Recent payment history
- Debt balances and utilization
- Program and lender requirements
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