What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy A House?
There are many misconceptions about the credit score needed to buy a house. Recently, it was reported that 24% of renters believe they need a 780-800 credit score to be considered for a mortgage. The reality is they are misinformed!
Only 25% of the Americans have a FICO® Score between 740 and 800. Here is the breakdown according to Experian:
- 16% Very Poor (300-579)
- 18% Fair (580-669)
- 21% Good (670-739)
- 25% Very Good (740-799)
- 20% Exceptional (800-850)
Randy Hopper, Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending for Navy Federal Credit Union said,
“Just because you have a low credit score doesn’t mean you can’t purchase a home. There are a lot of options out there for consumers with low FICO® scores,”
There are many programs available with low or no credit score requirement. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) now requires a minimum FICO® score of 580 if you want to qualify for the low down payment advantage. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not set a minimum credit score requirement, but most lenders require a score of at least 640. Veterans Affairs (VA) loans have no credit score requirement.
As you can see, none of them are above 700!
It is true that the average FICO® score for all closed loans in January was 726, but there are plenty of people taking advantage of the low credit score requirements. Here is the average FICO® Score of closed FHA Loans since April 2012 according to Ellie Mae:
As you can see, that number has been dropping for the last seven years. As a matter of fact, the average FHA Purchase FICO® Score reported in January 2019 was 675!
One of the challenges is that Americans are unsure about their credit score. They just assume that it is too low to qualify and do not double check. Credit.com confirmed that only 57% of individuals sought out their credit score at least once last year.
FICO® reported,
“Since October 2009, the average year-over-year FICO® Score has steadily and consistently increased, from a low of 686 in 2009 to the latest high of 704 as of 2018.”
Here is the increase in the average US FICO® Score over the same period of time as the graph earlier.
Bottom Line
At least 84% of Americans have a score that will allow them to buy a house. If you are unsure what your score is or would like to improve your score in order to become a homeowner, let’s get together to help you set a path to reach your dream!
11 Must-Do Actions To Ensure A Smooth Transition Into Your New Residence
11 Must-Do Actions To Ensure A Smooth Transition Into Your New Residence Moving into a new residence marks a significant milestone that brims with excitement and potential. However, to translate this new beginning into a seamless transition, careful planning and a...
3 Helpful Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
3 Helpful Tips for First-Time Homebuyers Some Highlights Trying to buy your first home? If you’re worried about affordability today or the limited number of homes for sale, these tips can help. Look into homebuyer programs, expand your search area, and consider...
Short list of things that you must get rid of before moving
Embarking on a new chapter of your life by relocating to a different home can be an exciting yet daunting process. The key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free move lies in effective preparation and organization, of which a critical component is the pre-move purge....
What Are Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market?
What Are Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market? If you’re planning to move soon, you might be wondering if there'll be more homes to choose from, where prices and mortgage rates are headed, and how to navigate today’s market. If so, here's what the...
NAR Lawsuit Update – How does this effect Utah Realty?
NAR Lawsuit Update What we Know.... The NAR has reached a settlement agreement on the class action lawsuits relating to the offer of compensation rule. Details are in the link below. There is much to digest and more info and training will come out in the days ahead....
Why Access Is So Important When Selling Your House
Why Access Is So Important When Selling Your House If you’re gearing up to sell your house this spring, one of the early conversations you’ll have with your agent is about how much access you want to give buyers. And you may not realize just how important it is to...
Why There Won’t Be a Recession That Tanks the Housing Market
Why There Won’t Be a Recession That Tanks the Housing Market There’s been a lot of recession talk over the past couple of years. And that may leave you worried we’re headed for a repeat of what we saw back in 2008. Here’s a look at the latest expert projections to...
The First Step: Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
The First Step: Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Some Highlights If you’re looking to buy a home in 2024, getting pre-approved is a key piece of the puzzle. Mortgage pre-approval means a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow....
Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your Move
Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your Move No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when you’re going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You get advice from people who know what they’re...
How Changing Mortgage Rates Impact You
How Changing Mortgage Rates Impact You Some Highlights If you’re looking to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. That’s because even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact...