04/24/2026
🚨 Big Shift in Home Buying Rules (This Could Matter More Than You Think)
A new change to how mortgages are approved could open the door for millions more buyers across the country.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are moving toward credit models that can include things like:
✔️ Rent payment history
✔️ Utility payments
✔️ More real-life financial behavior
👉 Translation: People who were previously “on the edge” of qualifying may now have a real shot at homeownership.
From a Utah perspective, this is something to watch closely. If more buyers enter the market, it can impact:
• Demand
• Pricing
• Competition
Curious what you think—
Should rent and utilities count toward qualifying for a home loan?
If you’ve been wondering whether you might qualify (or qualify for more), this might be worth a quick conversation.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will accept VantageScore 4.0 loans that factor in rent and utility payments, potentially helping more Americans qualify.