What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?

by Bobbie Lane

This is one of the most common questions people have when they start thinking about buying a home.

Most people assume you need perfect credit.

You don’t.

If you’re thinking about buying a home—especially here in Wichita—your credit score matters, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

Before anything else, it helps to understand the very first step in the process so you’re not guessing your way through everything.

What Credit Score Do You Actually Need?

For most home loans, a 620 credit score is a pretty common starting point.

That’s where many conventional loans begin.

But there are other options too.

Some loan programs allow lower scores. FHA loans, for example, can sometimes work with scores in the 500s depending on the situation.

So if your credit isn’t perfect, you’re not out—you just need the right approach.

Can I Buy a House With a 600 Credit Score?

This is one of the most searched questions out there.

And the honest answer is… maybe.

A 600 score is kind of in that middle range where:

Some lenders will approve it
Some won’t
The loan terms may not be ideal

I’ve seen buyers in that range still get into a home, especially when the rest of their financial picture is solid.

What Happens If Your Credit Score Is Lower?

If your score is on the lower side, here’s what typically changes:

Your interest rate may be higher
You may need more money upfront
You might have fewer loan options

That doesn’t mean you can’t buy—it just means the strategy matters more.

And honestly, this is where people benefit from knowing what to look for when choosing an agent, because the right guidance can make a big difference in how the process plays out.

What Credit Score Gets You the Best Rates?

Once you get into the 700+ range, things usually improve quite a bit.

And around 740 and up is where you’ll typically see the best interest rates.

That said, I wouldn’t wait around trying to hit a perfect number before even exploring your options.

Do Lenders Only Care About Credit Score?

No—and this is where a lot of people get tripped up.

Your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle.

Lenders are also looking at:

Your income
Your debt
Your job history
Your overall financial stability

I’ve seen buyers with average credit get approved quickly because everything else looked solid.

And I’ve seen higher scores run into issues because of other factors.

Can You Buy a House With Bad Credit?

In some cases, yes.

But it depends on what “bad” looks like and how recent any issues are.

If your credit needs work, a good lender can usually give you a clear plan on what to improve and how long it will take.

Sometimes it’s faster than people expect.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re thinking about buying, the best next step isn’t guessing your credit score or trying to piece it together online.

It’s just having a quick conversation with a lender and seeing what you actually qualify for.

If you’re relocating, it also helps to understand what it’s like moving here from a bigger city, because the process and expectations can be a little different than what you might be used to.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need perfect credit to buy a house.

You just need to understand where you’re at and what your options look like.

And if you’re also planning to sell before you buy, it’s worth learning how to get started on the selling side, so everything lines up the right way.

Most people are closer than they think—they just haven’t had the right conversation yet.