What is a Mortgage FICO Score?

Key Mortgage Score Requirements (As of 2026)

• VA/USDA Loans: Usually require a 640 or higher, depending on the lender. 

  NCHFA +4

• Best Rates: 760 or higher.

• Conventional Loans: Typically 620 or higher.

• FHA Loans:

   Minimum 580, though some, with 10% down, may allow down to 500.

How Mortgage Scores Work

• The "Classic" Model: Lenders often pull FICO Score 2, 4, or 5 from the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and use the median score for underwriting.

• Newer Standards: Starting in 2025/2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now accept FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0, which can include rental payment data to assist "credit invisible" borrowers.

• Key Factors: Payment history, debt level, credit age, and credit mix. 

  FHFA (.gov) +4

Improving Your Score

• Check Reports: Get your free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to find errors.

• Pay on Time: Late payments are the biggest hit to scores.

• Reduce Debt: Keep credit utilization below 30%, though under 10% is better.

• Avoid New Credit: Do not open new credit cards or take out loans before applying for a mortgage

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Please do not use the credit report link until we have received all of your required documents and you are fully ready to move forward with the final step of the application process. Once all documentation has been submitted and reviewed, we will confirm that you are ready to proceed before the credit report is completed. This helps ensure that your application process moves smoothly and efficiently without any unnecessary delays or additional fees.