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!
Why Selling Your House Before Next Spring Is Key
Why Selling Your House Before Next Spring Is Key Today's housing market is empowering homeowners with the control they want when selling their house, but as home inventory begins to rise, this fair weather won't last forever. Let's connect to start the process of...
How to Prepare for a Bidding War
How to Prepare for a Bidding War Some HighlightsWith so few houses available on the market today, being ready for a bidding war is essential for prospective homebuyers.From pre-approval to making your best offer, here are three tips to make sure you can act quickly...
2020 Housing Market on Track to Beat Last Year’s Success
Housing Market on Track to Beat Last Year’s SuccessBack in March, as the nation’s economy was shut down because of the coronavirus, many were predicting the real estate market would face a major collapse. Some forecasts called for a 15-20% decline in transactions....
Why Pricing Your Home Right Matters This Fall
Why Pricing Your Home Right Matters This Fall Some HighlightsAs a seller today, you may think pricing your home on the high end will result in a higher final sale price, but the opposite is actually true.To sell your home quickly and for the best possible price, you...
Ready to Sell? Homebuyer Traffic Is on the Rise.
Ready to Sell? Homebuyer Traffic Is on the Rise. Buyer activity is continuing to rise. Let's connect to discuss why selling your house now could get you the price and terms you've been waiting for.
Two New Surveys Indicate Urban to Suburban Lean
Two New Surveys Indicate Urban to Suburban LeanThere has been much talk around the possibility that Americans are feeling less enamored with the benefits of living in a large city and now may be longing for the open spaces that suburban and rural areas provide.In a...
Why You Need Expert Guidance in a Bidding War
The 2020 Homebuyer Wish List
The 2020 Homebuyer Wish List Some HighlightsThe word “home” is taking on a whole new meaning this year, and buyers are starting to look for new features as they re-think their needs and what’s truly possible.From more outdoor space to virtual classrooms for their...
It’s Not Just About the Price of the Home
It’s Not Just About the Price of the HomeWhen most of us begin searching for a home, we naturally start by looking at the price. It’s important, however, to closely consider what else impacts the purchase. It’s not just the price of the house that matters, but the...
Salt Lake Home Sales Climb to Record High in July 2020
Salt Lake Home Sales Climb to Record High in July Salt Lake County home sales reached an all-time high in July at 2,093 homes sold, 15 percent higher than July 2019. It's the first time monthly sales surpassed 2,000 closings since the MLS began keeping records....