06/18/2026
Think your credit score isnโt โgood enoughโ to buy a house? Itโs probably higher than you fear.
Hereโs what you actually need to buy in Central Arkansas in 2026:
โ FHA โ 580 (with 3.5% down) โ Conventional โ around 620 โ USDA โ 640 (and zero down in eligible areas) โ VA โ no official minimum (big deal near Little Rock AFB)
But hereโs the part most people miss: hitting the minimum just gets you approved. Your score sets your rate. On the same loan, the gap between a 620 and a 760 can mean $150โ$430 MORE per month โ tens of thousands over the life of the loan.
The good news? Credit score is one of the few things you can actually improve before you buy. Paying down card balances and fixing report errors can move the needle in a billing cycle or two.
Donโt count yourself out before you talk to a lender. Get pre-approved early and find out exactly where you stand.
Read the full breakdown on the blog (link in bio) or DM me and Iโll connect you with trusted local lenders.
www.ar-property.com Arkansas Property Management & Real Estate
CreditScore HomeBuyingTips MortgageTips FHALoan USDALoan