Your Credit Score Matters, But It's Not the Only Thing

Have you started to seriously consider buying a house? The thought of having your own space, painting the walls any color you want, or hosting epic backyard barbecues is an exciting notion. But before diving into the world of house hunting, there's a crucial number you need to understand—your credit score

You might be wondering, "What's the big deal about this credit score anyway?" Well, your credit score is like your financial report card. It is a three digit number ranging from 300-850 that is a prediction of your credit behavior, that is, how likely you are to pay a loan back on time, based on information from your credit reports. Usually, a higher score makes it easier to qualify for a loan and may result in better interest rates or loans terms. But don't worry, even if your credit score is less than perfect, you've still got options.

FHA Loans

First up, let's talk about the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA loans. An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage loan. These are designed to help first-time homebuyers, although you do not have to be a first time homebuyer to qualify. And, you may qualify even if you have a lower credit score or other debt that would prevent you from qualifying for a conventional loan. FHA loans are more forgiving when it comes to credit scores and have low down payment options..

VA Loans

Next, we have VA loans. If you're a veteran or serving in the military, or are a qualified surviving spouse, you could qualify for a VA loan, which is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The cool thing about VA loans? VA loans offer a mortgage option for first time homebuyers, low income borrowers, and borrower with lower credit scores.

USDA Loans

Then there are USDA loans, backed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These loans are designed to help low-to-moderate income buyers purchase homes in rural areas. While the USDA doesn't set a minimum credit score, most lenders require a minimum credit score to qualify. If your score is below the minimum, you might still qualify, but your loan application will have to be manually underwritten, which could mean more scrutiny and a longer wait.

Conventional Loans

Then there’s conventional loans. These are mortgage loans not insured by a federal agency, like the FHA, VA, or USDA. They are offered by private lenders and can sometimes have stricter financial requirements.

Will I Need A Co-Signer?

But what if you have a trusted person willing to co-sign on your loan? A co-signer is someone who agrees to pay back the loan if you can't. In some cases, having a co-signer can help you get approved for a loan. However, lenders will still consider both credit scores.

Even if your credit score is less than perfect, there's still hope for you to secure a mortgage and get that house you've been dreaming of. Remember, a lower credit score doesn't mean you're out of the game; it just means you might have to explore different options or take steps to improve your credit before diving in.

Can I Improve My Credit Score?

Don't be discouraged if you don't meet the minimum credit score requirements right away. You have the power to improve your credit over time. Paying your bills on time, keeping your credit card balances low, and regularly checking your credit report for errors can all help you raise your score. If you're serious about buying a house, it's a good idea to start working on these habits now.

And if you're feeling overwhelmed, remember you're not alone. There are many resources available, both online and offline, to help guide you through this process. Consider reaching out to a trusted mortgage lender like PrimeLending, a non-profit housing counselor, or even just doing some online research. Many people have walked this path before you and successfully navigated their way to homeownership, and so can you! It might take time and effort, but it's entirely possible, even if your credit score isn't in the "excellent" range yet. You might have to take a few detours, like improving your credit score or saving for a larger down payment, but these steps can ultimately lead you to the home of your dreams.

So, keep your chin up, keep striving for your goals, and remember to appreciate the journey. After all, the path to homeownership is filled with valuable lessons and experiences that will serve you well in your future. Take the first step and apply for free today to see what you could afford.