If you’re thinking about buying a home, you should know your credit score’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to qualifying for a home loan. Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make payments on time, to pay back debts, and more. It’s also a factor that helps determine your mortgage rate. An article from Bankrate explains:
“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”
This means your credit score may feel even more important to your homebuying plans right now since mortgage rates are a key factor in affordability, especially today. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the median credit score in the U.S. for those taking out a mortgage is 765. But, that doesn’t mean your credit score has to be perfect. An article from Business Insider explains generally how your FICO score range can make an impact:
“. . . you don't need a perfect credit score to buy a house. . . . Aiming to get your credit score in the ‘Good’ range (670 to 739) would be a great start towards qualifying for a mortgage. But if you're wanting to qualify for the lowest rates, try to get your score within the ‘Very Good’ range (740 to 799).”
Working with a trusted lender’s the best way to get more information on how your credit score could factor into your home loan and the mortgage rate you’re able to get. As FICO says:
“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single "cutoff score" used by all lenders and there are many additional factors that lenders may use to determine your actual interest rates.”
If you’re looking for ways to improve your score, Experian highlights some things you may want to focus on:
When you’re ready to start the homebuying process, a lender will be able to assess which range your score falls in and tell you more about the specifics for each loan type.
With affordability challenges today, prioritizing ways you can have a positive impact on your credit score could help you get a better mortgage rate. If you want to learn more, let’s connect.
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The Home Run Team, Ltd. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. The Home Run Team, Ltd. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
While renting may be less expensive in some areas right now, here are two big benefits homeownership provides that renting can't.
There are more homes up for grabs this year. But does this growing inventory make house hunting easier? Yes and no.
Having a hard time finding a first home that's right for you and your wallet? Well, here's a tip – think about condominiums, or condos for short.
Selling your house is a big decision. That’s where a good listing agent comes in. Here are just a few skills you’ll want your agent to have.
Thinking about buying a home or selling your current one to find a better fit? If so, you might be wondering what's going on with home prices these days.
If your needs have changed and you want to move to a new summer home, now is the perfect time.
It’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like. A trusted real estate agent can help walk you through these struggles.
If you're thinking of buying or selling a house, it's important to know it doesn't just impact you—it helps out the local economy and your community, too.
If you’re a member of a younger generation, like Gen Z, you may be asking the question: will I ever be able to buy a home?
We're fortunate to be able to do what we want to do every day, and what we want to do is help clients live a better, more secure life. Whether you're buying a home, looking to sell or relocate, or are an investor, we can help you. No agents will work harder for you, because to us, going to bat for you, isn't work. That's just what you do when you're a team.