What You Need To Know
Remember the days when someone with a 500 credit score could qualify for a New Jersey FHA mortgage? Well over the past year, FHA credit score requirements have been increasing. Nearly 20% of FHA loans are currently in default causing FHA lenders to be more cautious.
In this current mortgage market, to even be considered for a FHA mortgage, you MUST have a 620 minimum credit score. But we are seeing a trend that many other FHA lenders are now following.
Now, FHA lenders are looking for 640-660 credit scores for FHA financing. While there are still many who still require a 620 minimum credit score, NJ FHA lenders are imposing “pricing hits” to consumers who fall below 660 credit scores. So obviously there is an upward trend happening here with consumers looking to apply for an FHA loan.
In the future, don’t be surprised if down payment requirements increase again and credit score minimums gradually increase as well. With rising unemployment and foreclosures, it is causing FHA lenders to alter their lending guidelines going forward.
Keep in mind, there are a “small few” of portfolio FHA lenders that will go below the standard 620 minimum credit score requirement. BUT they are hitting consumers with HEFTY pricing adjustments to get an FHA loan with credit scores below 620.
So if you are looking to obtain an FHA loan, be sure to check your credit scores early enough in the mortgage process, to give yourself ample time to see what you need to do to get your credit scores high enough today to avoid any and all pricing adjustments when applying for a New Jersey FHA mortgage. Also many mortgage companies can assist you in credit repair if necessary. Many mortgage companies will offer this at no cost. Be sure to ask!
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