Understanding Credit Scores
AnnieMac Education Center
The term “credit score” is frequently used when applying for a home loan, but it may not be widely understood. Understanding credit scores and their purpose will help you become a smarter home buyer and mortgage applicant.
What is a Credit Score?
Credit scores can be a confusing and challenging topic to understand, even for the most financially savvy people. A credit score is a number that lenders use to help them decide how likely it is that you will repay your loan on time. This is a record of money you have borrowed, your history of paying it back, and how much credit is available to you. Lenders rely on this information to determine if you qualify for a home loan and the risk involved in loaning you money.
What Factors Are Included in a Credit Score?
Credit scores are built on your personal credit history and can range from 300 to 850. A good credit score is important for your financial well-being and the higher it is, the less of a credit risk you are to lenders.
There are two types of credit scores: generic and custom. A generic score is used by many types of lenders and businesses to determine general credit risk. Custom credit scores are developed for use by individual lenders. They rely on credit reports and other financial information.
There are a few different factors that make up and shape a credit score. Some factors include:
- Your total debt
- Type of accounts
- Number of late payments
- Age of your accounts
- New credit
It is important to monitor your credit on a regular basis and keep a close eye on these factors. Do everything you can to improve these factors to ultimately improve your credit score.
Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Type
Every home loan type has its own minimum credit score.
- Conventional Loan: Minimum score of 620
- Jumbo Loan with 10% Down Payment: Minimum score of 680
- FHA Loan with 3.5% Down Payment: Minimum score of 580
- VA Loan: Minimum score of 580
- USDA Loan: NO Down Payment: Minimum score of 620
Can I Get a Home Loan with Bad Credit?
Yes. It is possible to obtain a mortgage even if your credit is low, but it is more difficult. A low credit score shows a lender that you may have a history of missing monthly payments and running up debt. This makes you a riskier borrower and more likely to get a higher interest rate on your home loan. Be prepared for these circumstances to occur and start saving for a higher down payment.
Monitoring Your Credit Score
For those with lower credit scores, it is possible to raise your score and improve your chances of getting approved for a home loan. This process starts with staying aware of your current credit profile. Here are some tips below:
- Check your credit report for error: order a copy of your report from the three main reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Check your reports for any errors and report the errors immediately to boost your credit.
- Become an authorized user: to help boost your credit score, add yourself as an authorized user on a family member’s existing credit card account. As an authorized user, you will get your own card that is linked to the family member's account. When they make a payment, your score will gradually improve.
- Pay your bills on time: paying your bills on time is the best way to improve your score. Making payments on time will gradually raise your FICO score.
- Pay down your credit card debt: this is another way to steadily improve your score and help you get approved for a mortgage.
In Conclusion
Credit score requirements differ based on the type of home loan you are looking to apply for. Our team at AnnieMac Home Mortgage are ready to help you get the mortgage process started and discuss your options depending on your current credit score.