Credit & Qualification
How credit scores, credit history, and mortgage underwriting affect Utah homebuyers — from FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional program standards to lender overlays and readiness planning.
There is no single credit score that buys a house in Utah — the number you need depends on the loan program. FHA guidelines allow 580 with 3.5% down, conventional financing generally starts at 620, VA and USDA publish no minimum but are commonly funded around 620 to 640, and Utah down payment assistance programs add their own floors. This guide compares the programs side by side, explains which of your three scores underwriting uses, quantifies what a higher score saves a Wasatch Front buyer each month, and lays out the steps that actually move a qualifying score before application.
A credit score can affect whether a Utah homebuyer qualifies for certain mortgage programs, the terms available, and sometimes the overall cost of financing — but a credit score alone does not determine mortgage approval. Lenders also evaluate income, employment, debts, assets, down payment, reserves, property type, loan program, and the borrower's overall credit history. Different mortgage programs and individual lenders may apply different requirements, so consumers should not assume one commonly quoted 'minimum score' applies everywhere.