08/12/2026
The answer might surprise you because there isn’t one magic number.
There are so many different loan programs available, and each one can have different credit requirements, down payment options, and qualification guidelines. FHA, conventional, VA, USDA, and other programs can all create different paths to homeownership. It’s not when you can buy a house, it’s how.
Your credit score is only one piece of the puzzle. The right lender can look at your full financial picture and help determine which loan program and strategy may make the most sense for you. So, if you’ve been waiting to hit a certain credit score before even asking what’s possible, you may be waiting longer than you need to. The first step isn’t having perfect credit. It’s understanding your options.If you've been thinking about buying a home in Charlotte, NC, start the conversation and find out what your path could look like.