- FICO Score
- Minimum credit score
- What lenders like to see
- FHA Loans
- Interest rates and your credit score
- The Bottom Line
Your credit score, the number lenders use to estimate the risk of extending your credit or loan, is a key factor in determining whether you’ll be approved for a mortgage. The score is not a fixed number, but fluctuates regularly in response to changes in your credit activity (z. B. if you open a new credit card account). What number is good enough, and how do the scores affect the interest rate you offer? Read on to find out.
FICO Score
The most common credit score is the FICO score, created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. It is calculated using the following data from your credit report: Your payment history (which represents 35% of the score), the amounts you owe (30%), the length of your credit history (15%), types of credit you use (10%) and new credit (10%).
Minimum credit value
There is no “official” minimum credit score, as lenders can (and do) consider other factors when qualifying for a mortgage. You may be approved for a mortgage with a lower credit score if, for example, you have a solid down payment or your debt load is otherwise low. Since many lenders see your credit score as just one piece of the puzzle, a low score won’t necessarily prevent you from getting a mortgage.