What's your credit Score? The Key to Your Dream Home (and maybe your realtor's sanity)
Buying a house is exciting—until you hear the words “credit score.” That’s when the sweat starts, your calculator gets a workout, and suddenly you regret your “Treat Yo’self” shopping spree from last year. Don’t worry, though! Let’s break it down and even have some laughs (because crying over your credit report isn’t nearly as productive). What’s a Credit Score Anyway? Think of your credit score like a financial GPA. Instead of math quizzes and book reports, it’s based on whether you pay your bills on time, how much you’ve borrowed, and how many times you’ve opened a shiny new credit card just for the free tote bag. Scores range from 300 (ouch) to 850 (cue angelic choir). What Score Do You Need to Buy a House? Spoiler alert: You don’t need a perfect 850 to buy a home, but aiming higher is always better. Here’s a breakdown: FHA Loans (the forgiving friend) Minimum Score: 500 (but you’ll need a 10% down payment) Score 580+: Just 3.5% down. Boom, you’re house hunting! Conventional Lo...