What Credit Score Really Matters (And What Doesn’t)

Credit scores are one of the most misunderstood parts of the mortgage process. Buyers often monitor their scores closely, only to be surprised when the number a lender pulls looks different from what they see online.

Here’s why.

The Score You See Is Not Always the Score We Use

Many popular credit apps and monitoring tools use consumer scoring models. Mortgage lenders, however, use specific mortgage-focused scoring models that are often different.

That’s why the score you see on an app may not match the one pulled for a home loan.

It doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means the scoring model is different.

The Middle Score Matters

When applying for a mortgage, lenders typically pull credit from all three bureaus.

We don’t use the highest score.We don’t use the average.We use the middle score.

If you have co-borrowers, we use the middle score of the lower-scoring borrower.

This surprises a lot of people.

Score Alone Isn’t the Whole Story

A credit score is important, but it’s not everything.

Lenders also look at:

• Payment history

• Current debt levels

• Length of credit history

• Recent inquiries

• Overall credit behavior

Two people with the same score can have very different credit profiles.

What Doesn’t Matter As Much As You Think

A small 5–10 point swing usually doesn’t change much.You don’t need an 800+ score to qualify for strong financing.Carrying a small balance is not automatically bad.

Perfection is not required. Stability and responsible history matter far more.

The Real Goal

The goal is not to obsess over the highest possible number. The goal is to maintain consistent, responsible credit habits and avoid major changes right before or during the mortgage process.

Opening new accounts, missing payments, or taking on large new debt will matter far more than minor score fluctuations.

The Bottom Line

Credit matters, but clarity matters more.

If you’re thinking about buying, the best move is not guessing what your score might be. It’s having it reviewed in the context of a real mortgage scenario.

You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home. You need a clean, understandable credit story.