Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a three-digit snapshot of how you have handled debt, and it is the first thing a mortgage lender looks at. Most conventional loans call for a 620 score or higher, and FHA allows 3.5% down with a 580 score. Checking early gives you time to fix problems before they cost you.
Key Takeaways
- Review your credit reports from all three bureaus before you apply, and dispute errors early because corrections take time.
- Typical minimums: 620 for most conventional loans, 580 for FHA with 3.5% down, and 500 to 579 for FHA with 10% down.
- Higher scores generally earn better pricing and lower mortgage insurance costs.
- Avoid new credit, big purchases and missed payments from now until closing.
Why does my credit score matter for a mortgage?
Lenders use your score and credit history to judge how likely you are to repay. It influences three things: whether you qualify, which loan programs fit, and how your loan is priced. Two buyers with the same income and down payment can see different costs because of their credit profiles.
Mortgage insurance is a good example. On a conventional loan with less than 20% down, private mortgage insurance often costs roughly 0.3% to 1.5% of the loan per year, and your score is one of the main drivers within that range. Our guide to PMI on a conventional loan explains how it works and when it can be removed.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
| Loan type | Typical minimum score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 620 for most loans | Pricing improves as scores rise. See credit scores for conventional loans. |
| FHA | 580 for 3.5% down; 500 to 579 with 10% down | See FHA credit score requirements. |
| VA | VA sets no minimum; lenders do | Larger loans typically need higher scores. See VA credit score requirements. |
| Jumbo | Often 700 or higher | See jumbo credit scores. |
| Non-QM | Varies widely | See non-QM credit scores. |
These are general ranges. Individual lenders can set stricter requirements, and your full file matters, not just the score.
How do I check my credit?
Start with your reports, not just the score shown in an app. Federal law entitles you to free reports from each of the three national credit bureaus, and you should review all three because they can differ.
- Get all three reports. Look for accounts you do not recognize, wrong balances, late payments that were on time and old items that should have dropped off.
- Dispute errors in writing. Each bureau has a dispute process. Keep copies of everything you send.
- Note your utilization. This is the share of your credit card limits you are using. Lower is generally better, and many borrowers aim to stay well under 30%.
- Check for collections and public records. Some must be addressed before closing, depending on the loan type.
- Ask a loan officer to review. Lenders see scores calculated with mortgage scoring models, which can differ from the consumer scores you see online.
What can I do to improve my score?
- Pay every bill on time. Payment history is the biggest part of most scoring models.
- Pay down credit card balances. Lowering utilization can lift a score relatively quickly.
- Keep old accounts open. Length of history helps, so avoid closing your oldest cards without a reason.
- Do not open new accounts in the months before you apply. Each new account can lower your average account age and add an inquiry.
- Avoid large charges such as furniture or a car. They raise balances and your debt-to-income ratio.
Be careful with quick-fix promises. Legitimate improvement comes from accurate reports, on-time payments and lower balances. If something on your report is accurate, it generally stays until it ages off.
What if my credit has past problems?
Past credit events do not always end your plans, but waiting periods and documentation rules apply. For example, FHA has guidelines after a bankruptcy or foreclosure (see FHA loan after bankruptcy and after foreclosure or short sale), and VA has its own (VA credit events and waiting periods). Borrowers who do not fit standard guidelines sometimes look at non-QM options, which typically carry higher costs and larger down payments.
Does shopping for a mortgage hurt my credit?
Mortgage inquiries made within a short window are generally treated as a single inquiry for scoring, so comparing lenders does not have to damage your score. The length of that window depends on the scoring model, often somewhere between 14 and 45 days. Do your comparisons close together. We cover that in choosing a lender.
At Lendia, we review your credit before you apply
At Lendia, we compare options from multiple lenders, so we can match your credit profile to programs that fit instead of guessing. A Licensed Lendia California Loan Officer can walk through your report with you and suggest what to work on first. When you are ready, move on to saving for your down payment and closing costs. Contact us or get a rate quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum credit score to buy a house in California?
There is no single California minimum. Most conventional loans use 620, FHA uses 580 for 3.5% down, and VA lenders set their own. Your overall file also matters.
Will checking my own credit lower my score?
No. Checking your own reports is a soft inquiry and does not affect your score. A lender pulling credit for a mortgage application is a hard inquiry.
How long does it take to raise my score?
It depends on what is holding it down. Fixing a reporting error or paying down card balances can show up within a billing cycle or two, while rebuilding after late payments takes longer.
Is a higher score always better for a mortgage?
Pricing generally improves as scores rise, but it moves in tiers. A loan officer can tell you whether you are near a tier threshold worth working toward.
Should I pay off collections before applying?
It depends on the account type, amount and loan program, and paying a collection can affect your score in different ways. Ask your loan officer before you pay anything.
Rates and terms depend on your situation; approval requires qualification.
Talk to a Licensed Lendia California Loan Officer
At Lendia, we review your situation and show you the programs you qualify for.