What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?

Written for Louisiana Mortgage Handbook by Chasity Graff, Mortgage Broker/Owner of LA Lending, LLC.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-24

Quick Answer

There is not one single credit score that works for every mortgage. The score needed depends on the loan program, lender guidelines, down payment, debt-to-income ratio, property type, and the rest of the file.

A higher score can help with pricing and options, but the full approval still depends on credit, income, assets, property approval, documentation, underwriting review, lender guidelines, and approved credit.

Why There Is Not One Simple Number

Different loan programs have different credit rules. Lenders may also have overlays, which means they can require more than the minimum guideline.

Even when a score meets a minimum, the rest of the file still has to work. A borrower with a qualifying score may still have issues if the payment is too high, income cannot be documented, assets cannot be verified, or the property does not meet requirements.

What a Better Score Can Help With

A stronger credit score may help with interest rate pricing, mortgage insurance pricing, program options, and overall file strength.

That does not mean a perfect score is required. It means credit is part of the pricing and approval picture.

My Thought Process

I do not like giving a borrower one random credit number without reviewing the rest of the file.

The better question is not just, “What score do I need?” The better question is, “Based on my full file, what loan options actually have a path to closing?”

Common Mistakes

Assuming the highest score shown in a credit app is the mortgage score.
Thinking a score alone guarantees approval.
Applying for new accounts to “build credit” while shopping for a house.
Paying things off without checking how it may affect qualification or cash to close.

Bottom Line

Credit score matters, but it is not the whole mortgage approval.

The right score target depends on the loan program and the rest of your file. A full review is the safest way to know what actually works.

Educational Note

Educational note: This page is meant to explain the mortgage process in plain English. It is not a loan approval, commitment to lend, rate quote, or legal/tax advice. Mortgage programs, pricing, payments, documentation requirements, and guidelines can change. Final approval depends on credit, income, assets, property approval, appraisal, title review, underwriting review, lender guidelines, and approved credit.