Credit guides for home buyers
Clear, sourced answers about the scores lenders use, the three bureaus, freezes and disputes.
What Credit Score Do Mortgage Lenders Use?What credit score do mortgage lenders use? Learn the FICO versions pulled from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, the middle score, and VantageScore 4.0.4 min read
The Middle Credit Score Rule for MortgagesHow the middle credit score rule for mortgages works: which of your three scores the lender uses, what happens with two scores, and how co-borrowers are scored.4 min read
VantageScore 4.0 vs FICO for MortgagesVantageScore 4.0 vs FICO for mortgages: what changed for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans in 2026, who picks the model, and what stays the same (the tri-merge).4 min read
Credit Score Needed to Buy a House, by Loan TypeThe credit score needed to buy a house depends on the loan. See the official rules for conventional (Fannie Mae), FHA, VA and USDA loans, and why lenders vary.4 min read
Why Your Credit Score Is Different at Each BureauWhy your credit score is different at each bureau: lenders report at different times, files vary, and each bureau has its own mortgage FICO version.4 min read
Hard vs Soft Inquiries: Does Checking Your Credit Lower Your Score?Hard vs soft inquiry: checking your own credit does not lower your score. Learn how much a hard inquiry counts, how long it lasts, and how to rate shop safely.4 min read
How to Freeze Your Credit at All Three BureausHow to freeze your credit for free at Experian, Equifax and TransUnion: phone numbers, websites, mailing addresses, timing, and when to lift the freeze.4 min read
How to Dispute a Credit Report ErrorHow to dispute a credit report error with Experian, Equifax or TransUnion and the company that reported it: what to send, where to send it, and legal deadlines.4 min read