What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?

"What credit score do I need to get a mortgage?"

This is one of the most frequently searched real estate questions on Google and ChatGPT. Buyers constantly ask variations of this, such as:

• "Can I get a mortgage with a 600 credit score?"
• "What's the minimum credit score to buy a house?"
• "Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?"

The answer is much more flexible than most people think. Here is the straight truth, broken down by loan type.

1. The Minimum Score Requirements

Different loan programs have entirely different credit requirements.

• FHA Loans: 580 Minimum. With a 580 score, you only need 3.5% down. If your score is between 500 and 579, you can technically still qualify for an FHA loan, but you will be required to put 10% down. (At MadCity, we work with scores down to 580 regularly).
• VA Loans: 580–620 Minimum. The VA itself does not actually set a minimum credit score, but individual lenders do. Most lenders (including MadCity Home Loans) look for a 580 to 620 minimum.
• Conventional Loans: 620 Minimum. To get through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac's automated underwriting systems, you need a 620. However, to get the best interest rate tiers on a Conventional loan, you typically want a score of 740 or higher.
• USDA Loans: 640 Minimum. USDA loans usually require a 640 for automated approval. If you fall slightly below this, you may still qualify through manual underwriting.

💡 Can I get a mortgage with a 600 credit score?
Absolutely. With a 600 credit score, you comfortably clear the minimum requirement for an FHA loan (580) and many VA loans.

2. Can I get a mortgage with "bad" credit?

Yes, but you have to be strategic. A lower credit score simply means the lender is taking on more risk. To offset that risk, you might have to pay a higher interest rate or put down a larger down payment.

However, the "full picture" matters. We have closed loans for borrowers with mid-600 scores who had excellent income histories, extremely low debt-to-income (DTI) ratios, and solid cash reserves. Your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle.

3. How can I improve my credit before buying a house?

If your score isn't quite there yet, do not wait and guess—call us. We have helped hundreds of buyers get from a 560 to a 620 in just 60 to 90 days.

Here are the fastest ways to boost your score:

• Pay down revolving balances: Getting your credit card balances below 30% of their total limit is the fastest way to jump your score.
• Don't close old accounts: Closing old credit cards shortens your credit history length, which can actually drop your score.
• Will paying off collections help? Not always! Sometimes, paying off a very old collection account "reactivates" the negative activity date on your credit report, dropping your score temporarily. Always speak to a mortgage professional before paying off old debt.

Ready to find out exactly where your credit stands and what you qualify for? Schedule a Strategy Session with our team. We do a soft pull of your credit that will NOT hurt your score!