Is 700 A Good Credit Score To Buy A House?
Should I try to get a 700 credit score for a home purchase?
People consider purchasing homes as one of the key achievements in their lifetime. But at the same time, it is necessary to monitor the financial situation and the credit rating of the car owner. Therefore, is 700 a good credit score for purchasing a house?
Now, let us understand what a credit score of 700 means to one’s credit rating.
FICO scores therefore fall between 300 to 850. A score of 700 is still considered to be in the ‘good’ credit category as per the FICO model which is the most common model used in credit risk assessment. A good number of credit scores is usually above 670 while an excellent score is above 800. Thus 700, although not a very big figure, still speaks loudly of rather good credit management.
The Connection between Credit Scores and Mortgage Interest Rate
Lenders use credit scores to determine the mortgage rates and the flexibility of the repayment terms. A high score means that one can relate to a lower interest rate on a home loan. Having a 700 credit score makes it possible for you to get average rates compared to those with higher or lower scores, but they will not be the best in the market. You will also qualify for basic score minimums for most traditional mortgage programs. FHA loans are less stringent beginning at a 580 credit score as compared to the other loans.
The Role of Credit Scores in Mortgage Approval
Well, 700 is already above the minimum required credit score for most of the mortgages, but it remains somewhat close to the lower boundary. Consequently, individuals with a credit score ranging from 690 to 699 may find themselves eligible for fewer options when it comes to the number of loan products, approval conditions, and other criteria that are associated with loan approval, compared to individuals with scores of 700 and above. Credit score is also a key determinant of mortgage eligibility together with the levels of debt and payment history among loan seekers.
How much do people with a 700 credit score usually pay as a down payment?
The down payments on conventional loans are usually 5 to 20 percent, of the house price. Typically with a credit score of around 700, the lenders will expect the client to pay a down payment of at least 10-15% of the price to minimize the general risk of lending. This means that the higher the amount that can be offered as a down payment the better the mortgage rate and terms that can be negotiated despite having borderline credits.
The lowest rates go for people who are willing to pay at least 20% as a down payment to avoid private mortgage insurance. PMI also safeguards the lender if you fail to pay for your loan and it has an added cost of about a monthly charge until the home equity reaches 20%.
Is it possible to qualify for a mortgage with a 700 credit score and little savings?
Applying for a mortgage with a credit score of 700 and less than $1000 saved in the bank would not be possible with most lending companies. Yes, there are programs today where people can make a down payment as low as 3. 5 % however credit score starts at about mid-700s. If you are comfortable with the thought of a 700 credit score that comes with a 5% down payment, the lender will scrutinize your debt and credit history before approving the loan.
Ways to Get Prepared for the Financial Aspects of Homeownership
That is why it is beneficial to increase your credit score as much as possible before applying for a mortgage because applying for one with a credit score ranging from 670 to 719 opens you to more limited choices.
Some effective ways to increase your credit score include:
- This means that all the bills such as electricity, water, phone bills, and other expenses that can be incurred in a month should be paid on time.
- Reduce balances of credit cards and other similar varieties of loans
- Avoid using credit checks and be cautious with how often you apply for credit.
- Even if you are not planning on applying for credit shortly it is important to review your credit reports and correct any inaccuracies.
- Be given special permission to use someone else’s account
It may be better to give yourself 3-6 months, or potentially even longer, to work on your credit before attempting to get a mortgage, to get better rates and lending opportunities. It is also useful for the further development of the budget and the expansion of its options.
Buying Before Approval and Pre-Purchase with Credit Score of 700
When considering when it is time to begin looking at houses, be pre-approved for a loan. Financing that has been pre-approved from a reputable source is evidence that you can obtain financing and creates comfort for the home seller that the rate and terms are locked in for some time. Ensure to get loan offers with pre-approval of several lenders so that you can compare the one with a 700 credit score. The rate and requirement for a service can differ a lot from one company to another.
If the credit score ranges from 700, there are also some rules to follow: it is necessary to refrain from applying for new credit cards or loans. Excessive numbers of hard inquiries or opening too many new accounts will cause harm to your scores and potentially eliminate your chances for a mortgage. Also, avoid over-exaggerating when estimating your needed loan amount or listing prices of the houses you are willing to bid for.
What does 700 mean for a credit score? Final Thoughts
People have different financial statuses and needs, and a credit score is influenced by these parameters. Hence, for the majority of homeowners, a rating of 700 may be regarded as rather satisfactory, yet far from ideal for obtaining a mortgage. Urging your credit rating closer to the 700s or above will guarantee you get improved approval for home loans at the lowest interest rate. Even with a score around 700, the borrower can put oneself in a good starting point for buying and financing housing due to rational shopping, planning of finances, and, if necessary, through non-mainstream credit sources. You should only dampen enthusiasm if you are on the lower side of a good FICO score range.
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