Here is the updated credit score needed to buy a home:
Conventional: 620 is the industry baseline.
FHA: 580 (for a 3.5% down payment) or 500 (requires a 10% down payment).
USDA: 640 (automated approval baseline; no official government minimum, but lenders prefer 640).
VA: 580 – 620 (no official government minimum, but this is the standard lender requirement).
Jumbo: 700 – 720+ (strict private bank requirements).
