Credit preparation
Mortgage credit questions for buyers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Why a single score does not answer the approval question, and how to ask about program rules and lender requirements.
Updated October 27, 2026
There is no one cutoff for every mortgage
Credit requirements vary by investor, underwriting method, product and lender. Current Fannie Mae guidance distinguishes manual underwriting from Desktop Underwriter; it does not support describing 620 as a universal minimum for all conventional loans. A lender can also apply additional requirements.
A consumer-app score may differ from the score used in a mortgage decision. Ask the lender which report, scoring model and underwriting method it uses. A strong score alone does not replace income, debt, assets and property review.
Ask what a credit inquiry will do
Before authorizing a check, ask whether it is a soft inquiry or a hard inquiry, its purpose and what result you will receive. The Journal and its initial inquiry form do not perform either type of credit check.
Review your records for errors, keep current obligations visible and discuss planned new debt with the lender. Avoid paying for a service on the promise of a guaranteed score increase or approval.
Prepare the full picture
Document income, regular debt payments and available purchase funds. New arrivals and self-employed buyers should ask about their specific documentation rather than guessing from nationality or a score band. If a lender declines an option, ask which requirement affected the decision and whether another documented product can be evaluated.
Official sources and next steps
Confirm current terms directly with the program. No funding or individual approval is guaranteed.