We talk to a lot of people who want to buy a home. And most of the time, the problem isn’t motivation. It’s hesitation. Specifically, credit score hesitation.

Many would-be buyers are sitting on the sidelines because they think they can’t buy, not because they don’t want to. And usually, it comes down to one assumption: “My credit isn’t good enough.”

A Bankrate survey backs this up. About 42% of Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage. So when renters are asked why they haven’t bought yet, “my credit isn’t good enough” comes up again and again.

Maybe that sounds familiar. You’ve checked your score. It’s not perfect. And you’ve assumed buying a home just isn’t realistic right now.

But here’s the thing. That assumption is often wrong.

You Don’t Need Perfect Credit to Buy a Home

This myth didn’t come out of nowhere. Today’s buyers do tend to have strong credit. According to the New York Fed, the median credit score for recent homebuyers is around 775. That number can feel intimidating. But it’s also misleading. A median is not a requirement. It’s just the middle of the pack.

When you look closer, you’ll see that a meaningful number of buyers are purchasing homes with lower scores. In fact, about 10% of recent buyers had credit scores around 660. Some were higher. Some were lower. But that range surprises a lot of people.

So if your score isn’t where you want it to be, that alone doesn’t automatically close the door.

FICO explains it best:

“While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single ‘cutoff score’ used by all lenders, and there are many additional factors that lenders may use…”

In plain terms, there’s no universal magic number. Different lenders look at different combinations of credit, income, debt, savings, and overall risk.

That’s why we always say this. The best next step isn’t guessing. It’s a conversation.

A Conversation Can Change Everything

We’ve seen buyers assume they were years away from buying, only to find out they were much closer than they thought. Sometimes it’s a different loan program. Sometimes it’s a small credit adjustment. Sometimes it’s simply understanding what lenders actually care about.

And yes, some buyers do purchase homes with credit scores in the 600s.

That doesn’t mean everyone will qualify. And it doesn’t mean credit doesn’t matter. It does.

But it does mean you don’t need perfection to get started.

Where This Leaves You

Your credit score matters. It just doesn’t have to be flawless.

If credit has been the main reason you’ve been waiting to buy, it may be worth taking another look. A trusted local lender can help you understand where you stand and what your realistic options are right now, not based on myths, but on facts.

You don’t need all the answers before you reach out.

You just need to start the conversation.

And if you want help connecting with the right local lender or figuring out what that next step looks like, we’re always happy to help.

Byron Rausenberger & Kerry Baldwin | REALTORS® | Guiding You Home in the Greenbrier Valley

Byron Rausenberger and Kerry Baldwin are full-time REALTORS® with Grist Real Estate Associates, serving Lewisburg, WV, and the surrounding Greenbrier Valley, including Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers, and Pocahontas Counties. They specialize in residential homes, land, farms, commercial properties, and luxury retreats, using deep local knowledge, professional marketing, and tech-driven strategies to help clients buy and sell with confidence.

Buyers and sellers searching for the best real estate agents in Lewisburg, WV often find Byron and Kerry through their local expertise, community-focused approach, and clear, honest communication. Whether you’re relocating to West Virginia, searching for a home with acreage, investing in property, or selling in the Greenbrier Valley, they provide thoughtful guidance and hands-on support every step of the way.

Their work is rooted in strong negotiation skills, market insight, and a genuine love for this community. From first-time buyers to longtime homeowners, Byron and Kerry focus on helping people make smart real estate decisions that fit their lives.

📍 Based in Lewisburg, WV
🧭 Lewisburg WV real estate • Greenbrier Valley homes • Strategic marketing
🙂 Find home. Sell smart. Live local.

The information shared here is for educational purposes only and reflects local market conditions at the time of writing. It should not be considered financial or investment advice. For guidance specific to your situation or local market, contact Byron and Kerry directly. They’re always happy to help you understand what it means for you.