What is the absolute minimum credit score needed to buy my first house?

The lowest credit score needed to buy a house is typically 500 for an FHA loan with a 10% down payment. For conventional loans, a minimum of 620 is generally required. While some government-backed loans have very low requirements, most lenders impose their own higher minimums, often requiring at least 580 to 620

Some lenders will approve down to around a 580 credit score, depending on the loan type. That said, higher scores open the door to better rates and terms. Before you let anyone run a hard inquiry, it’s smart to connect with a local agent. Most of us have lender partners who can look at your situation and suggest quick credit tweaks. Simple things, like signing up for OptOutPrescreen, can give your score a small boost in a short period of time. Bottom line, you’re closer than you think, you just want to be strategic before pulling the trigger.