💳 What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home in the Southeast?

Jordyn Divver
Apr 16
3 min read

If you're thinking about buying a home in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, or Tennessee, one of the biggest questions you might have is:

"What credit score do I need to qualify for a mortgage?"

The good news is—you may not need a perfect score to become a homeowner. But understanding how your credit score affects your loan options can help you plan smarter and move confidently toward homeownership.

Here’s what you need to know about credit scores and buying a home in the Southeast in 2025.

🔍 What Is a Credit Score—and Why Does It Matter?

Your credit score is a three-digit number that lenders use to evaluate your ability to repay a loan. Scores typically range from 300 to 850, and the higher your score, the more favorable terms you’ll receive.

Your score impacts:

Whether you qualify for a mortgage
The interest rate you’re offered
How much money you need to put down

🏠 Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Type

Let’s break down the typical minimum scores required for different loan programs:

Loan Type	Minimum Credit Score	Details
Conventional Loan	620+	Better rates available at 740+
FHA Loan	580 (3.5% down) 500 (10% down)	Great for first-time buyers
VA Loan	No official minimum (Most lenders prefer 580–620+)	For veterans & active-duty service members
USDA Loan	640	For rural and suburban homes

Note: These are general guidelines. Some lenders (like me!) offer flexibility depending on your full financial picture.

📍 Southeast Snapshot: Credit Trends by State

Here's a look at the average credit scores in 2024 across the Southeast:

State	Average Score
Florida	707
Georgia	701
Alabama	696
North Carolina	708
Tennessee	701

If you're close to or above these averages, you’re likely already in a great position—or just a few steps away from qualifying for a mortgage.

💡 Tips to Improve Your Credit Before Applying

If your score is a little low, don’t worry! Here are a few quick ways to boost it:

Pay down credit card balances to reduce your credit utilization
Avoid opening new accounts before applying for a mortgage
Make all payments on time (even one missed payment can hurt!)
Check your credit report for errors—and dispute anything inaccurate
Avoid major purchases like cars or furniture before closing on a home

🤔 What If Your Credit Is Less Than Perfect?

There are still options! I work with buyers every day in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee who thought homeownership was out of reach—until we looked at FHA, VA, or first-time buyer programs designed to help you succeed.

In many cases, your income, job history, and down payment can offset a lower score. Let’s talk through your full financial profile to find the right fit.

🎯 Bottom Line: Know Your Score, Know Your Options

If you’re ready to buy a home in the Southeast, your credit score is a great place to start—but it’s not the only factor. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or using your VA loan benefit, I can help you navigate the process.

📲 Ready to See Where You Stand?

I offer free credit assessments and mortgage pre-approvals for homebuyers in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Let’s talk about your options and make a personalized game plan for buying your dream home.

👉 Schedule Your Free Mortgage Consult Now