: A higher score provides a "buffer" if other parts of your application (like your debt-to-income ratio) are less than perfect. 2017 Market Context
In 2017, the minimum credit score required to buy a house generally depends on the type of mortgage loan you are seeking, but most lenders look for a score of at least for conventional loans . Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Type in 2017
While the "magic number" can vary by lender, these were the standard industry benchmarks for 2017: : 580 or higher : Allows for a down payment as low as 3.5%.
Your credit score doesn't just determine if you can get a loan; it determines how much that loan will cost you over 30 years.