If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the most important things you’ll want to keep an eye on is your credit score. Think of it as your financial report card—lenders use it to figure out if you qualify for a loan and what kind of loan works best for you.

As The Mortgage Report puts it, “Good credit scores show lenders that you’re responsible with your debts. The higher your score, the better your chances of qualifying for a mortgage.”

The tricky part? A lot of buyers think they need a higher score than they actually do. Fannie Mae says that only 32% of people really know what score lenders are looking for, meaning nearly two-thirds are a bit in the dark.

So, what kind of credit score do you actually need?

According to Experian, “The minimum credit score to buy a house can range from 500 to 700, depending on the type of loan you’re applying for and the lender. Most lenders want to see at least a 620 for a conventional mortgage.”

In short, it varies. Even if your score isn’t perfect, there are still plenty of options out there! FICO explains that lenders use different strategies to decide who to lend to. So, there’s no magic number that works for everyone. They look at more than just your credit score.

Need to boost your score? Here are a few quick tips:

• Pay Your Bills on Time

This one’s huge. Lenders love to see that you can consistently pay your bills—whether it’s your credit card, utilities, or cell phone. Being reliable with payments shows you’re a good bet.

• Pay Down Debt

Knocking down some of your debt can make you look less risky to lenders and help improve your credit score. Plus, it lowers your credit utilization ratio (how much credit you’re using vs. how much you have available). Lower is better!

• Avoid Opening Too Much New Credit

It’s tempting to apply for more credit cards, but hold off. Applying for too much credit too quickly can hurt your score in the short term because of hard inquiries on your report.

Bottom Line

Your credit score is a big deal when it comes to buying a home. But even if it’s not where you want it to be, there are still ways to make homeownership happen.

If you’re unsure how your credit score might impact your mortgage options, the best move is to chat with a trusted lender who can guide you through the process. You’ve got options!