What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House in Texas?

Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider on a mortgage application. But what score do you actually need to buy a house in Texas? The honest answer: it depends on the loan type — and lower scores have more options than most people think.

Credit Score Minimums by Loan Type

• FHA loans: 580 for a 3.5% down payment; scores of 500–579 may still qualify with 10% down
• Conventional loans: most lenders want 620+, with the best pricing typically at 740+
• VA loans: the VA sets no minimum, but most lenders look for roughly 580–620
• USDA loans: typically 640+ for streamlined processing
• Jumbo loans: usually 700+ because of the larger amounts

How Your Score Affects Your Rate

Your score doesn't just decide whether you qualify — it directly shapes your interest rate through what lenders call pricing adjustments. The gap between a lower-tier and top-tier score can mean a meaningfully higher monthly payment and tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. That's why spending even a couple of months improving your score before applying can be some of the best-paid work you'll ever do. (Want to see how rate changes move a payment? Try my mortgage calculator.)

What Makes Up Your Score

Your FICO score is built from five factors:

• Payment history (35%) — do you pay on time?
• Amounts owed (30%) — how much of your available credit are you using?
• Length of credit history (15%) — how long accounts have been open
• New credit (10%) — recent applications
• Credit mix (10%) — cards, loans, and other account types

How to Improve Your Score Before Buying

1. Pay every bill on time — one missed payment can drop your score significantly.
2. Pay down credit card balances — aim for utilization below 30%.
3. Don't open new credit accounts in the months before your application.
4. Dispute errors at all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
5. Keep old accounts open — closing them shortens your history.

For the sneaky stuff that drags scores down, see my post on surprising things that lower your credit score.

How Long Does Improvement Take?

Anywhere from 30 days to 12 months depending on your starting point. Quick wins come from paying down a high-utilization card or removing an error; bigger gains come from consistent on-time payments over time.

Let's Review Your Credit Together

Before you start shopping, it's worth having a loan officer look at your credit and build a personalized plan. I'll pull your credit, explain exactly what I see, and map the steps to your best possible pricing — the consultation is free. Reach out today or call 832-894-7676.

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Daisy Castro · NMLS #2592627 · Equal Housing Lender. This article is general information for Texas buyers — not financial, tax, or legal advice, and not a commitment to lend. Qualification requirements vary by lender and program and change over time; figures current as of July 2026.