What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home in Cincinnati?

When it comes to buying a home in Cincinnati, your credit score isn’t just a number—it’s your financial fingerprint. Lenders use it to evaluate how reliable you are as a borrower and how much risk they’re taking when giving you a loan. The better your score, the more favorable your loan terms.

In most cases, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 620 to qualify for a conventional mortgage. That’s the baseline most lenders in Cincinnati look for. However, if your score falls short, don’t worry—there are still great options available. FHA loans, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, allow buyers to qualify with scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with a 10% down payment). Veterans can take advantage of VA loans, and rural buyers may qualify for USDA loans, both of which often have flexible credit requirements.

Why does this matter? Because your score directly affects your interest rate and monthly payment. A higher score could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. For example, a buyer with a 760 score might get a 6.5% rate, while someone with a 620 score might see 7.5%. On a $300,000 loan, that difference could mean nearly $200 more per month.

If your credit isn’t where you want it yet, start improving it today. Pay down balances below 30% of your available credit, avoid opening new accounts, and check your report for errors at AnnualCreditReport.com. Even small changes—like paying off a single credit card—can have a noticeable impact.

Homeownership in Cincinnati is within reach for more people than you might think. The key is preparation, not perfection. If you’re unsure where you stand, I can connect you with trusted local lenders who will help you understand your options and create a plan to get you mortgage-ready.

Presented by Tanya Roesel, Comey & Shepherd Realtors513-678-5001 | tanya.roesel@comey.com