Answer

What credit score do I need?

Conventional (Fannie/Freddie)

620

FHA

580 · 500 with 10% down

VA

580

Jumbo

700

HELOC

660

Score changes the price, not just the approval. On a conventional loan above 80% LTV, 740 vs. 700 credit is about 0.75 points, or $4,500 on a $600,000 loan, or roughly 0.25% in rate.

Our lenders have no overlays, so these agency minimums are the real minimums. Change the score on the card and watch the price move. Our pre-approval runs a soft check that does not affect your score.