What Credit Score Do You Really Need to Buy a Home?

Thinking about buying a home but unsure if your credit score is good enough? You're not alone. There’s a lot of confusing and outdated information out there, and it stops way too many people from moving forward.

I'm Kallie Orr, a Northern California Realtor®, and I’m here to help clear things up so you can stop second-guessing and start planning.

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What Credit Score Do Lenders Actually Look For?

Here’s the truth. You don’t need a perfect score to qualify for a mortgage. Most buyers I work with are surprised to learn how flexible things actually are.

Conventional loans typically require a score of 620 or higher
FHA loans may go as low as 580
Some special programs and lenders may work with even lower scores, depending on other parts of your financial profile

The higher your score, the better the interest rate you’ll usually qualify for. But qualifying at all is often easier than people expect.

Your Credit Score Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Lenders look at your overall financial picture, not just your score. That includes

Your income and employment history
How much debt you carry
How much you plan to put down
Your payment history and credit utilization

So even if your score isn’t where you want it to be just yet, you might still qualify. And if you need time to prepare, that’s okay too. I’m here to guide you through every step.

Want to Know Where You Stand?

If you’re even thinking about buying within the next year, now is the time to get a clear picture of where you stand. I can connect you with trusted local lenders who will help you understand your credit, what you qualify for, and what steps to take if you need to boost your score.

Let’s Build a Game Plan That Works for You

Every buyer is different, and no one should feel shut out of the market just because they don’t know where to start. Whether your credit is solid or still in progress, I’m here to walk you through the options and create a plan that fits your life and your goals.

Reach out anytime. I’m ready when you are.

Contact Me
Kallie Orr, Realtor®
Serving Citrus Heights, Folsom, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and surrounding areas