What credit score do I need to buy?

The Score That Opens the Door: Generally, a score of 620 is recommended for conventional loans, though some FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580, or lower with a higher down payment. The exact number depends on the program, the lender, and the rest of your application.

The useful number for you is not a national average, it is the threshold for the specific loan program you will actually use.

Why the Number Matters: Higher scores typically secure better interest rates, and over the life of a mortgage, even a small rate difference translates into meaningful savings. The score also affects how much negotiating room you have and which programs are available to you at all.

It is one of the few parts of your application you can directly influence in the months before you buy.

Lenders Read the Whole Picture: Your score is important, but it is not the only thing a lender weighs. Income, debts, savings, and the size of your down payment all shape the decision. A strong income and a healthy down payment can offset a score that is a little below the usual target.

That is why a lender review beats a self-diagnosis: you find out exactly where you stand and which path is realistic.

If Your Score Is Close but Not There: If your score is close to the threshold, a short, deliberate plan can often move it: paying down balances, keeping payments on time, and reviewing your credit reports for errors. There are also loan programs designed for buyers building or repairing credit, so you are not locked out while you work on the number.

A knowledgeable lender will tell you honestly whether to buy now or spend a few months improving your position first.

Check Before You Apply: Pull your credit reports and review them for errors or surprises before you formally apply. Knowing your score and your reports up front means no shocks in the approval process and no last-minute scrambling.