Credit Score Basics for Today’s Homebuyers
- Andrew Georgitsis
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Credit Scores — What You Need (and What You Don’t)
📍 Introduction
Think your credit score isn’t high enough to buy a home? You might be surprised. In 2025, there are more flexible options than ever — especially with VA and FHA loans.
Whether your score is excellent, average, or needs a little work, this post will help you understand what lenders look for, how it affects your mortgage, and what you can do (or avoid) to improve your score fast.
🧠 What Is a Credit Score, Really?
Your FICO score is a number between 300 and 850 that tells lenders how likely you are to repay a loan. It’s based on:
Factor | % of Score |
Payment History | 35% |
Credit Usage | 30% |
Credit History Length | 15% |
Credit Mix | 10% |
New Credit | 10% |
Hint: The #1 factor is on-time payments. Just one late or missed payment can drop your score by 50+ points.
📊 Minimum Credit Scores for Home Loans (2025)
Loan Type | Minimum Score |
VA Loan | 620 (some as low as 580) |
FHA Loan | 580 (with 3.5% down) |
Conventional Loan | 620–680 (depends on lender) |
VA and FHA loans are more forgiving — especially if you have low debt and good income.
✅ 5 Ways to Boost Your Score Quickly
Pay all bills on time (set reminders or auto-pay)
Keep credit card balances under 30% of your limit
Don’t open new accounts before applying for a mortgage
Check for errors on your credit report (we can help)
Don’t close old accounts — older history = better score
❌ Avoid These Mistakes
Large purchases on credit before closing (cars, furniture)
Skipping payments to “save for a home”
Co-signing loans — even for family
Applying for multiple credit cards at once
💬 Final Thought
You don’t need an 800 score to buy a home. And in many cases, a VA or FHA loan can help you qualify sooner than you think — without perfect credit.
📞 Want to know where your credit stands — and what you can afford? We offer free credit + loan reviews with trusted local lenders. 👉 Schedule a private consult Or just message us your estimated score — we’ll show you what’s possible.
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