• HOME
    HOME
  • PROPERTY SEARCH
    PROPERTY SEARCH
    • DREAM HOME FINDER
      DREAM HOME FINDER
    • BERKELEY HEIGHTS HOMES
      BERKELEY HEIGHTS HOMES
    • DUNELLEN HOMES
      DUNELLEN HOMES
    • FANWOOD HOMES
      FANWOOD HOMES
    • METUCHEN HOMES
      METUCHEN HOMES
    • NORTH PLAINFIELD HOMES
      NORTH PLAINFIELD HOMES
    • NEW PROVIDENCE HOMES
      NEW PROVIDENCE HOMES
    • PISCATAWAY HOMES
      PISCATAWAY HOMES
    • SCOTCH PLAINS HOMES
      SCOTCH PLAINS HOMES
    • SOUTH PLAINFIELD HOMES
      SOUTH PLAINFIELD HOMES
    • WATCHUNG HOMES
      WATCHUNG HOMES
    • WARREN HOMES
      WARREN HOMES
    • SOMERSET HOMES
      SOMERSET HOMES
  • HOME SELLERS
    HOME SELLERS
    • HOME VALUATION REQUEST
      HOME VALUATION REQUEST
    • STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
      STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
    • COMMUNITY INFO
      COMMUNITY INFO
    • LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
      LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
    • NEWS FOR HOME SELLERS
      NEWS FOR HOME SELLERS
  • HOME BUYERS
    HOME BUYERS
    • LUXURY HOMES IN CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
      LUXURY HOMES IN CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
    • CONDOS & TOWNHOUSES
      CONDOS & TOWNHOUSES
    • RETIREMENT HOUSING IN NEW JERSEY
      RETIREMENT HOUSING IN NEW JERSEY
    • MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
      MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
    • LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
      LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
    • NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS
      NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS
  • ABOUT ROBIN
    ABOUT ROBIN
    • ABOUT ROBIN
      ABOUT ROBIN
    • CONTACT ME
      CONTACT ME
    • TESTIMONIALS
      TESTIMONIALS
  • BLOG
    BLOG
  • HOME
    HOME
  • PROPERTY SEARCH
    PROPERTY SEARCH
    • DREAM HOME FINDER
      DREAM HOME FINDER
    • BERKELEY HEIGHTS HOMES
      BERKELEY HEIGHTS HOMES
    • DUNELLEN HOMES
      DUNELLEN HOMES
    • FANWOOD HOMES
      FANWOOD HOMES
    • METUCHEN HOMES
      METUCHEN HOMES
    • NORTH PLAINFIELD HOMES
      NORTH PLAINFIELD HOMES
    • NEW PROVIDENCE HOMES
      NEW PROVIDENCE HOMES
    • PISCATAWAY HOMES
      PISCATAWAY HOMES
    • SCOTCH PLAINS HOMES
      SCOTCH PLAINS HOMES
    • SOUTH PLAINFIELD HOMES
      SOUTH PLAINFIELD HOMES
    • WATCHUNG HOMES
      WATCHUNG HOMES
    • WARREN HOMES
      WARREN HOMES
    • SOMERSET HOMES
      SOMERSET HOMES
  • HOME SELLERS
    HOME SELLERS
    • HOME VALUATION REQUEST
      HOME VALUATION REQUEST
    • STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
      STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
    • COMMUNITY INFO
      COMMUNITY INFO
    • LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
      LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
    • NEWS FOR HOME SELLERS
      NEWS FOR HOME SELLERS
  • HOME BUYERS
    HOME BUYERS
    • LUXURY HOMES IN CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
      LUXURY HOMES IN CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
    • CONDOS & TOWNHOUSES
      CONDOS & TOWNHOUSES
    • RETIREMENT HOUSING IN NEW JERSEY
      RETIREMENT HOUSING IN NEW JERSEY
    • MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
      MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
    • LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
      LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
    • NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS
      NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS
  • ABOUT ROBIN
    ABOUT ROBIN
    • ABOUT ROBIN
      ABOUT ROBIN
    • CONTACT ME
      CONTACT ME
    • TESTIMONIALS
      TESTIMONIALS
  • BLOG
    BLOG
To Blog

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?

March 22, 2021
-
Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers
-
Posted by Robin Taylor Roth

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage? | Simplifying The Market

According to data from the most recent Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae, the average FICO® score on closed loans reached 753 in February. As lending standards have tightened recently, many are concerned over whether or not their credit score is strong enough to qualify for a mortgage. While stricter lending standards could be a challenge for some, many buyers may be surprised by the options that are still available for borrowers with lower credit scores.

The fact that the average American has seen their credit score go up in recent years is a great sign of financial health. As someone’s score rises, they’re building toward a stronger financial future. As more Americans with strong credit enter the housing market, we see a natural increase in the FICO® score distribution of closed loans, as shown in the graph below:What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage? | Simplifying The MarketIf your credit score is below 750, it’s easy to see this data and fear that you may not be able to qualify for a mortgage. However, that’s not always the case. While the majority of borrowers right now do have a score above 750, there’s more to qualifying for a mortgage than just the credit score, and there are still options that allow people with lower credit scores to buy their dream home. Here’s what Experian, a global leader in consumer and business credit reporting, says:

  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans: “With a 3.5% down payment, homebuyers may be able to get an FHA loan with a 580 credit score or higher. If you can manage a 10% down payment, though, that minimum goes as low as 500.”
  • Conventional loans: “The most popular loan type typically comes with a 620 minimum credit score.”
  • S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans: “In general, lenders require a minimum credit score of 640 for a USDA loan, though some may go as low as 580.”
  • S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans: “VA loans don’t technically have a minimum credit score, but lenders will typically require between 580 and 620.”

There’s no doubt a higher credit score will give you more options and better terms when applying for a mortgage, especially when lending is tight like it is right now. When planning to buy a home, speaking to an expert about steps you can take to improve your credit score is essential so you’re in the best position possible. However, don’t rule yourself out if your score is less than perfect – today’s market is still full of opportunity.

Bottom Line

Don’t let assumptions about whether your credit score is strong enough put a premature end to your homeownership goals. Let’s connect today to discuss the options that are best for you.

PREVIOUS POST
Americans See Major Home Equity Gains [INFOGRAPHIC]
NEXT POST
Should We Fear the Surge in Cash-Out Refinances?

Robin Taylor Roth

Find Your Dream Home
[Trial Expired #28.3 - Your Showcase IDX Trial Has Expired.]
Get In Touch!
[Trial Expired #28.3 - Your Showcase IDX Trial Has Expired.]

What is My Home Worth?

Related News

Other posts that you should not miss

Are Home Prices Continuing To Rise?

March 3, 2022
-
Posted by Robin Taylor Roth

Many analysts projected home price appreciation would slow dramatically in the fall of 2021 and then continue to soften throughout 2022. …

Read More →
First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing
2 MIN READ

3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

February 17, 2021
-
Posted by Robin Taylor Roth

There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your …

Read More →
Distressed Properties, For Buyers, For Sellers, Foreclosures, Rent vs. Buy
3 MIN READ

The Many Benefits of Homeownership

March 22, 2022
-
Posted by Robin Taylor Roth

The past two years have taught us the true value of homeownership, especially the stability and the feeling of accomplishment it …

Read More →
First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Rent vs. Buy
2 MIN READ
Contact Me

Robin Taylor Roth
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Jersey Properties
564 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840
NJ #0897458

Office : 732.494.7677
Cell : 908.612.4962
Email : robintaylorroth@BHHSNJ.com

Your Contact Info

     

    Agent Login

    © 2022 Robin Taylor Roth ©2017 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

    What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage? | Central New Jersey Real Estate

    Attraction in Dunellen Boro, NJ

    778 Frenchtown Rd
    Powered by Yelp
    The Famous River Hot Dog Man
    The Famous River Hot Dog Man - Milford Yelp Rating 17 reviews
    Rafting/Kayaking, Tubing
    778 Frenchtown Rd
    Powered by Yelp
    Delaware River Tubing
    Delaware River Tubing - Milford Yelp Rating 227 reviews
    Rafting/Kayaking, Boating, Tubing
    380 US 22
    Powered by Yelp
    Bowlero Green Brook
    Bowlero Green Brook - Green Brook Township Yelp Rating 178 reviews
    Venues & Event Spaces, Bowling, Eatertainment
    716 Union Ave
    Powered by Yelp
    Route 28 Farmers Market
    Route 28 Farmers Market - Middlesex Yelp Rating 28 reviews
    Farmers Market
    41 Mountain Blvd Ste E1
    Powered by Yelp
    4 Brothers Breakfast
    4 Brothers Breakfast - Warren Yelp Rating 639 reviews
    Southern, Breakfast & Brunch, Jazz & Blues
    42 Mountain Blvd
    Powered by Yelp
    SCLSNJ's Warren Township Branch
    SCLSNJ's Warren Township Branch - Warren Yelp Rating 8 reviews
    Libraries
    378 Route 6 & 209 Matamoras Base
    Powered by Yelp
    Kittatinny Canoes
    Kittatinny Canoes - Milford Yelp Rating 78 reviews
    Rafting/Kayaking, Tubing
    378 Route 6 & 209
    Powered by Yelp
    Kittatinny Canoes
    Kittatinny Canoes - Milford Yelp Rating 30 reviews
    Campgrounds, Tubing, Rafting/Kayaking
    Powered by Yelp
    The Happy Wanderer Travel Agency
    The Happy Wanderer Travel Agency - Plainfield Yelp Rating 1 reviews
    Travel Agents, Tours
    Powered by Yelp
    Derrick Joseph Psychic Medium
    Derrick Joseph Psychic Medium - Philadelphia Yelp Rating 26 reviews
    Psychic Mediums, Life Coach
    558 Bayway Ave Ste 1
    Powered by Yelp
    Party Factor
    Party Factor - Elizabeth Yelp Rating 5 reviews
    Party & Event Planning, Party Equipment Rentals, Wedding Planning
    Powered by Yelp
    OurBus
    OurBus - New York Yelp Rating 259 reviews
    Buses, Bus Rental, Travel Services
    225 US Hwy 46 Ste 7
    Powered by Yelp
    Ambassador Limo & Party Bus
    Ambassador Limo & Party Bus - Totowa Yelp Rating 7 reviews
    Limos, Party Bus Rentals