If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ve probably heard this line:
“You need a 620.”
And if your score isn’t there (or your profile is messy), it can feel like the dream home is on a treadmill—you’re running, but it’s not getting closer.

I’ve worked with buyers who had “decent” scores… but still got hit with:

higher rates

“prove this, explain that” conditions

surprise lender overlays (extra rules lenders add on top of program guidelines)

Here’s the truth: the program has guidelines—but your lender makes the final call. Overlays are real. So we don’t just chase a score… we build an underwriter-ready file.

WHAT SCORES DO YOU TYPICALLY NEED? (and what lenders often want)

FHA (Flexible, great for many first-timers)

580+ can qualify for 3.5% down (guideline).

500–579 may qualify with 10% down (guideline).

Many lenders still prefer 620–640 due to overlays (common in the market).

Conventional (Fannie/Freddie)

Big update: Fannie Mae DU removed the hard minimum credit score requirement starting Nov 15, 2025—DU now relies on broader risk assessment.

Reality check: lenders can still set their own minimums, and some scenarios/manual underwriting can still reference score thresholds.

Best pricing is still typically stronger at higher scores (think 740+ territory for top-tier pricing in many cases).

VA (Veterans/active duty/eligible spouses)

The VA does not set a minimum credit score—lenders do.

Many lenders commonly look for ~620, but strong overall qualifications can sometimes offset.

MY SECRET SAUCE: the 4 C’s of Underwriter Approval

I don’t just help you raise scores—I help you become fully qualified using the 4 C’s of lending:

Credit (scores + clean, consistent profile)

Capacity (DTI, income stability, cash flow)

Capital (reserves, down payment, assets)

Collateral (property + appraisal strength)

That’s how I’ve helped buyers go from “Maybe later” to “Clear to Close.” And I’ll help you do it too.

🎁 Want my FREE guide: “First-Time Homebuyer Credit Score + Profile Checklist (FHA • Conventional • VA) + The 4 C’s Underwriter Formula”?
Grab it here below