You Don’t Need Perfect Credit to Buy a Home
For years, a persistent myth has kept potential homeowners on the sidelines. It goes something like this: “You need perfect credit to qualify for a mortgage.” But here’s the truth, you don’t.
At Best Option Mortgage, we see it all the time. Motivated buyers with stable income and solid savings assume they aren’t “ready” to buy because of a three-digit number on their credit report. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding leads many to wait years unnecessarily.
If you’ve been hesitant to start the homebuying process because of your credit score, it’s time to reframe your thinking. The credit score myth that’s holding buyers back could be standing between you and homeownership—and it’s not based on reality.
The Truth About Minimum Credit Scores
Let’s clear the air. While a high credit score can help you secure better interest rates, it is not required to buy a home.
Here are the typical minimum credit scores needed for common loan types:
FHA loans: 580 (with 3.5% down)
VA loans: No official minimum, but lenders often look for 620+
Conventional loans: 620 minimum in most cases
USDA loans: Generally 640, but flexible
Surprised? Most people are. If you thought you needed a 700+ score to even start the process, you’re not alone. But thousands of homeowners buy every year with scores in the low to mid-600s.
Still unsure which loan program suits your situation? Read our breakdown of loan options and credit flexibility.
Lenders Look at the Full Picture
Your credit score is one piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the whole story. Mortgage lenders also consider:
Income and employment history
Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
Savings and assets
Down payment size
Rental and payment history
You could have a lower credit score but strong income and a reliable payment record, which makes you a solid borrower. Conversely, even a high score can be outweighed by too much debt or inconsistent income.
At Best Option Mortgage, we take a human-first approach to lending. That means looking beyond just the numbers to understand your full financial picture.
Why This Myth Persists
The fear around credit scores often comes from outdated advice, social media misinformation, or comparing yourself to others. You might hear someone say:
“You can’t buy a house unless you have a 750.”
“If your score isn’t in the 700s, you won’t get approved.”
“You’ll get stuck with a horrible interest rate.”
These statements aren’t just misleading, they’re discouraging.
Worse, many potential buyers don’t reach out to lenders out of fear they’ll be rejected. In reality, a conversation with a mortgage professional can give you clarity and a path forward, even if you’re not quite ready yet.
If you want to know where you stand without committing to anything, schedule a free consultation with our team. We’ll review your credit profile and walk you through your options—no pressure, no hard sell.
Credit Myths vs. Credit Facts
Let’s bust a few more myths while we’re at it:
Myth: You need to pay off all debt before applying.
Fact: Some debt is okay, as long as it fits within a healthy DTI ratio.
Myth: Checking your credit will lower your score.
Fact: Soft inquiries for pre-qualification do not impact your score. Hard pulls are minimal and short-term.
Myth: You can’t improve your score quickly.
Fact: Paying down balances or correcting errors can improve your score in just 30–60 days.
Want help figuring out how to improve your score strategically? We offer personalized credit planning to help you move closer to mortgage-ready. Ask us how during your call.
A Real Client Success Story
One of our clients came to us with a 612 credit score. She assumed she’d need another year to build her credit before applying. Instead, we helped her identify a few quick fixes, like paying off a small collection and reducing her credit card utilization. Within 45 days, her score jumped above 640, qualifying her for an FHA loan.
She closed on her first home two months later.
These are the kinds of wins that happen when you talk to a lender before making assumptions.
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—You Just Need a Plan
Getting a mortgage is about preparation, not perfection. Even if your credit isn’t where you want it to be, don’t wait for an arbitrary score to make a move. Start the conversation now, and let a professional guide you through what’s possible.
In fact, getting pre-approved—even with a lower score—can actually help you focus your efforts. You’ll know what needs improvement, what’s already working in your favor, and how much home you can comfortably afford.
Check out our full guide to pre-approval to learn how this one step can unlock everything else in your homebuying journey.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Number Hold You Back
The credit score myth that’s holding buyers back is just that, a myth. If homeownership is a goal for you in 2026, don’t let uncertainty around your credit stop you.
You may be closer than you think.
Let’s Talk About What’s Possible
At Best Option Mortgage, we’re here to replace confusion with clarity. Whether your credit is excellent, average, or a work in progress, we’ll show you a path to homeownership that’s grounded in real numbers and real strategy.
Click here to contact us and schedule a no-pressure consultation. We’ll review your credit, discuss your options, and help you move forward with confidence.