{"id":109280,"date":"2026-03-17T07:01:35","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T14:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=109280"},"modified":"2026-03-17T07:01:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T14:01:35","slug":"what-credit-score-is-needed-to-buy-a-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-credit-score-is-needed-to-buy-a-house\/","title":{"rendered":"What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a House?"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The minimum credit score to buy a house varies by loan type:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most borrowers need a credit score between 500 and 700 depending on the mortgage program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Higher credit scores lead to better mortgage rates:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stronger credit can help you qualify for lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You may still qualify with lower credit:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Programs like FHA loans may allow buyers with scores as low as 500\u2013580 with a larger down payment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&#8217;re preparing to buy a home, one of the first questions you\u2019ll likely ask is: what credit score do you need to buy a house? Whether you&#8217;re buying in a competitive market like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/11203\/CA\/Los-Angeles\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Los Angeles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/30749\/NY\/New-York\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New York<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or in a smaller city or rural area, your credit score plays a major role in determining whether you qualify for a mortgage and what interest rate you\u2019ll receive. Lenders use your score to assess risk, which directly impacts your loan options, down payment requirements, and long-term borrowing costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we\u2019ll break down what credit score is needed to buy a house, explain the requirements for each major loan type, and outline practical steps you can take to strengthen your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-99753\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Starter-Home_FeaturedImage_shutterstock_2391626527.jpg\" alt=\"A craftsman style starter home\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Starter-Home_FeaturedImage_shutterstock_2391626527.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Starter-Home_FeaturedImage_shutterstock_2391626527-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Starter-Home_FeaturedImage_shutterstock_2391626527-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Starter-Home_FeaturedImage_shutterstock_2391626527-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Starter-Home_FeaturedImage_shutterstock_2391626527-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Starter-Home_FeaturedImage_shutterstock_2391626527-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the minimum credit score to buy a house?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re wondering what credit score you need to buy a house, the short answer is: it depends on the loan program. While there isn\u2019t one universal number that guarantees approval, most borrowers need a credit score of at least <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.experian.com\/blogs\/ask-experian\/what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">500 and 700<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to qualify for common mortgage options. The table below is a general breakdown of typical credit score requirements by loan type.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit score requirements for each type of home loan<\/span><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Loan type<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Minimum credit score<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Down payment requirement<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Notes<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Conventional<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically 620+ (no official minimum set by Fannie Mae\/Freddie Mac)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically 3%\u20135% minimum<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher scores often qualify for better rates<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>FHA<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">580+ (500 with 10% down)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.5% with 580+ score<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More flexible guidelines for lower credit borrowers<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>VA<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No official minimum; many lenders look for 580\u2013620+<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0% down payment in most cases<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No official VA minimum, but lenders set overlays<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>USDA<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No official minimum; many lenders look for 640+<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0% down payment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scores below 640 may require manual underwriting<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Jumbo<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically 680+ (often 720 for larger loan amounts)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically 10% or more<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher loan amounts require stronger credit profiles<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><b><i>Note: <\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are general guidelines. Individual lenders may have stricter requirements based on underwriting standards and market conditions.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to remember that the lowest credit score to buy a house doesn\u2019t guarantee approval. Lenders also evaluate your income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, employment history, and down payment. A higher score not only improves your approval odds but can also help you secure a lower <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/rocketmortgage.com\/mortgage-rates\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage interest rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, potentially saving you thousands on your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/mortgage-calculator\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage payment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your score falls below the typical minimum <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/myfico.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FICO score<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a mortgage, you may still have options, but you may need a larger down payment or additional financial strengths to qualify.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other requirements to qualify for a home loan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While understanding what credit score you need to buy a house is important, lenders evaluate more than just your score when determining mortgage approval. Meeting the minimum credit score to buy a house doesn\u2019t automatically guarantee qualification. Here are the additional factors lenders consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your debt-to-income ratio compares your total monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Most lenders prefer a DTI of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/four-cs-of-credit\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">36% or lower<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, though some mortgage programs may allow higher ratios depending on your financial profile. Even if you meet the credit score required for a mortgage, a high DTI can limit your loan options or increase scrutiny during underwriting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your loan-to-value ratio measures how much you\u2019re borrowing compared to the home\u2019s appraised value. For example, borrowing $270,000 on a $300,000 home results in a 90% LTV. Lower LTV ratios (meaning larger down payments) reduce lender risk and may help offset a lower minimum FICO score for a mortgage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Income and employment history:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Lenders look for stable, consistent income to ensure you can afford your monthly mortgage payment. Most want to see at least two years of steady employment, reliable or increasing income, and proper documentation such as pay stubs and tax returns. Self-employed borrowers may need to provide additional financial records.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cash reserves and assets: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond your down payment, some lenders require cash reserves, which are funds available after <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/closing-costs\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that could cover several months of mortgage payments. Savings accounts, retirement funds, and other documented assets can strengthen your mortgage application and improve approval odds.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why your credit score matters when buying a house<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re asking what credit score you need to buy a house, it\u2019s important to understand why that number matters so much in the first place. Your credit score is one of the primary factors lenders use to determine your eligibility for a mortgage, the terms of your loan, and the interest rate you\u2019ll receive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. It impacts mortgage approval<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The credit score required for a mortgage varies by loan type, but in general, a higher score improves your chances of approval. Lenders use your score to evaluate how reliably you\u2019ve managed debt in the past. If you meet or exceed the minimum credit score to buy a house, you\u2019re more likely to qualify for conventional, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/rocketmortgage.com\/home-loans\/fha-loan\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, VA, or USDA financing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Borrowers with lower scores may still qualify, but they could face stricter underwriting guidelines, larger down payment requirements, or manual underwriting review.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. It affects your mortgage interest rate<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your credit score doesn\u2019t just determine whether you qualify; it also directly affects your mortgage interest rate. The higher your score, the lower the perceived risk to the lender.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, someone with a 740+ credit score will typically receive a lower rate than someone with a 620 score. Even a small difference in interest rate can significantly impact your monthly mortgage payment and the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. It influences loan options and down payment requirements<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your credit score can also determine which loan programs are available to you. For instance:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/fha-loans\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may allow lower scores but require mortgage insurance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conventional loans typically require higher scores but may offer more flexibility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jumbo loans often require strong credit and larger down payments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meeting the lowest credit score to buy a home may open the door to financing, but a stronger score can give you access to better loan terms and lower overall borrowing costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. It signals financial stability to lenders<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your credit score is a snapshot of your financial habits. Payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history all factor into how lenders assess your risk. When determining what credit score is needed to buy a house, lenders aren\u2019t just looking at a number \u2013 they\u2019re evaluating how consistently you\u2019ve handled credit over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stronger your credit profile, the more competitive your mortgage options will be.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How your credit score affects your mortgage interest rate<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding what credit score you need to buy a house is important, but knowing how that score affects your mortgage interest rate can be just as critical. Your credit score doesn\u2019t just determine whether you qualify for a home loan \u2013 it plays a major role in how much you\u2019ll pay over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher credit score = lower interest rate<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenders use your credit score to measure risk. Borrowers with higher scores are considered less likely to miss payments, so they\u2019re typically rewarded with lower mortgage rates. On the other hand, borrowers closer to the minimum credit score to buy a house may qualify for financing but at a higher rate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a borrower with a 760 credit score may receive a noticeably lower rate than someone with a 620 credit score on the same loan type. Even a small rate difference can increase your monthly mortgage payment and add thousands of dollars in interest over a 15- or 30-year term.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit score tiers and mortgage pricing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortgage lenders often price loans in tiers. As your score improves, your rate options typically improve as well. While the credit score required for a mortgage may start around 500 to 700 depending on the loan program, the best rates are usually reserved for borrowers with scores of 740 or higher.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>740+ credit score:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Access to the most competitive mortgage rates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>700\u2013739:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Strong rates with favorable terms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>660\u2013699: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate rates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>620\u2013659:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Higher rates and stricter qualification standards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Below 620:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Limited options and potentially significantly higher costs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The long-term cost of a lower credit score<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When determining what credit score is needed to buy a house, it\u2019s important to think beyond approval. A higher score can lower your monthly payment, reduce your total interest paid, and improve overall affordability.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you meet the minimum score for a mortgage, taking time to improve your credit before applying could reduce your rate and make homeownership more affordable in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What credit score is considered good for a mortgage?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While understanding what credit score you need to buy a house is important, many buyers also want to know what score is considered \u201cgood\u201d when applying for a mortgage. In general, a higher credit score improves your approval odds and helps you qualify for better interest rates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most lenders use FICO scores, which range from 300 to 850. Here\u2019s how those ranges are commonly viewed in mortgage lending:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>300\u2013579 (Poor):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Limited mortgage options; may require a larger down payment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>580\u2013669 (Fair):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> May qualify for FHA or certain government-backed loans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>670\u2013739 (Good):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stronger approval odds and more competitive loan options.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>740\u2013799 (Very good):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Access to some of the best available mortgage rates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>800+ (Exceptional):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Typically qualifies for the most favorable rates and terms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you buy a house with a 500, 580, or 620 credit score?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer is yes, but your options will vary depending on your score and the loan program.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>500 credit score:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You may qualify for an FHA loan with a 10% down payment. Options are limited, and lenders will closely review your financial profile.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>580 credit score:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is an important threshold. With a 580 score, you may qualify for an FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down. Some VA lenders may also consider scores in this range.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>620 credit score:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is typically the minimum required for many conventional loans. At this level, you\u2019ll have more flexibility in loan options and may receive better interest rates compared to lower scores.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to improve your credit score before buying a house<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your score is below the minimum credit score to buy a house, there are steps you can take to improve it before applying for a mortgage. Even a small increase can help you qualify for better loan options and a lower interest rate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are simple ways to strengthen your credit:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pay all bills on time.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Even one late payment can lower your score.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lower your credit card balances.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try to use less than 30% of your available credit. Paying down balances can quickly boost your score.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid opening new credit accounts.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> New credit inquiries can temporarily lower your score and affect your mortgage approval.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep old accounts open.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A longer credit history can help improve your score.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Check your credit report for errors.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dispute any mistakes that could be hurting your score.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improving your credit can help you move beyond just meeting the credit score required for a mortgage and put you in a stronger position when lenders evaluate your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs on what credit score is needed to buy a house<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s changed in credit qualification for conventional mortgages?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As of November 16, 2025, there is no official minimum credit score for conforming conventional loans, but lenders still evaluate overall credit risk and financial history.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does my credit score still matter<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes \u2014 lenders set their own standards, and higher credit scores typically qualify for better mortgage interest rates and loan terms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who benefits from these credit score policy changes?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Borrowers with limited credit history, first-time homebuyers, or those with strong financial reserves may benefit from a more holistic review process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the lowest credit score to buy a house?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA loans may allow scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment or 580 with 3.5% down, while many conventional loans start around 620.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, but you may need a larger down payment, stronger income documentation, or a government-backed loan like FHA.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What credit score gets the best mortgage rates?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Borrowers with credit scores of 740 or higher typically qualify for the most competitive mortgage interest rates.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn what credit score you need to buy a house, minimum requirements by loan type, and how your score affects mortgage approval and interest 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