Credit & Approval Guide
Understanding how credit and approval work is one of the most important steps in the mortgage process. Lenders review your credit score, income, debts, and financial history to determine how much you qualify for and what loan options fit your situation.’
What Lenders Look At
- Credit score
- Payment history
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Income stability
- Employment history
- Recent credit activity
- Past bankruptcies or late payments
Minimum Credit Score Guidelines
- FHA loans: typically 580+
- VA loans: flexible, often 580–620
- Conventional loans: usually 620+
- Jumbo loans: often 680–700+
How to Strengthen Your Approval
- Pay down credit card balances
- Avoid opening new accounts
- Keep all payments on time
- Reduce debt where possible
- Gather income and tax documents early
What Happens During Approval
- Your credit is pulled
- Your income is verified
- Your debts are reviewed
- Your loan options are matched
- You receive a pre-approval letter
Ready to see your loan options? Start below — fast, secure, and no credit impact.