What credit score do you need to buy a $400000 house?
Your credit score has less bearing on your ability to get a mortgage than you might think. The minimum FICO score for a conventional loan is 620. The best rate comes with a score of 740 or higher. There is no particular advantage to having a score of 800, although it is, of course, laudable.
You'll typically need a credit score of 620 to finance a home purchase. However, some lenders may offer mortgage loans to borrowers with scores as low as 500. Whether you qualify for a specific loan type also depends on personal factors like your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), loan-to-value ratio (LTV) and income.
What income is required for a 400k mortgage? To afford a $400,000 house, borrowers need $55,600 in cash to put 10 percent down. With a 30-year mortgage, your monthly income should be at least $8200 and your monthly payments on existing debt should not exceed $981. (This is an estimated example.)
To buy a house with a conventional loan, for example, you'll need at least a 620 credit score. But don't worry. Even if your credit score hovers somewhere in the 500 – 600 range, you can still secure a home loan. While every lender is different, knowing your score and how it may impact your loan application is key.
Mortgage lenders typically want to see a score of 620 or better before approving a conventional mortgage.
| 10-Year Mortgage Monthly Payment | 30-Year Mortgage Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|
| 6% Interest Rate | $4,441 | $2,398 |
| 7% Interest Rate | $4,644 | $2,661 |
| 8% Interest Rate | $4,853 | $2,935 |
You'll usually need a credit score of at least 640 for the zero-down USDA loan program. VA loans with no money down usually require a minimum credit score of 580 to 620. Low-down-payment mortgages, including conforming loans and FHA loans, also require FICO scores of 580 to 620.
Putting down this amount generally means you won't have to worry about private mortgage insurance (PMI), which eliminates one cost of home ownership. For a $400,000 home, a 20% down payment comes to $80,000. That means your loan is for $320,000.
Down Payment Amount
Putting down the standard 20% can help you avoid paying mortgage insurance and interest and could save you thousands of dollars. So you can expect to pay between $11,250 an $75,000 as a down payment on a $375,000 purchase.
How much do I need to make to buy a $300K house? To purchase a $300K house, you may need to make between $50,000 and $74,500 a year. This is a rule of thumb, and the specific salary will vary depending on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, type of home loan, loan term, and mortgage rate.
What is the average house payment on a 350000 house?
On a $350,000, 30-year mortgage with a 6% APR, you can expect a monthly payment of $2,098.43, not including taxes and interest (these vary by location and property, so they can't be calculated without more detail). The payment would jump to $2,953.50 for a 15-year loan.
Following the 28/36 rule, a guideline many mortgage lenders use to gauge how much you can afford, you'd likely need to earn at least $90,000 per year to afford a $350,000 house without spreading yourself too thin. Keep in mind that figure does not include upfront payments, like your down payment and closing costs.
So, if your mortgage requires that you put down, say, 3%, the down payment needed for a $500K house would be $500,000 x 3% = $15,000. And a 20% down payment would require $100,000 ($500,000 x 20% = $100,000). You may be able to do those calculations in your head or using a calculator.
The 30% rule for home buyers
If your annual salary is $100,000, the 30% rule means you should spend around $2,500 per month on your house payment. With a 10% down payment and a 6% fixed interest rate, you could likely afford a home worth around $350,000 to $400,000 (depending on the cost of taxes and home insurance).
| Average FICO 8 Score by Generation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 2022 | 2023 |
| Generation Z (ages 18-26) | 679 - Good | 680 - Good |
| Millennials (27-42) | 687 - Good | 690 - Good |
| Generation X (43-58) | 707 - Good | 709 - Good |
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
Compare Repayments on $400,000 Mortgages
A 30 year mortgage at 2.32% should cost you $1,543 per month, with $155,589 in total interest. A 30 year mortgage at 2.66% should cost you $1,613 per month, with $181,025 in Total interest.
Assuming you have a 5% down payment (which is what would be required for an FHA loan) and less than 6% in other debts per month (~$500) you could afford a $400,000 home on a $100,000 salary. This number could change substantially, however, depending on if you have a bigger down payment or less debt.
Home Affordability Examples
For homebuyers with a $40,000 annual income (a $3,333 monthly income), traditional guidelines of a 36% debt-to-income ratio give a maximum house payment of $1,200 ($3,333 * . 36). Each example has the same amount for taxes ($2,500), insurance ($1,000), and APR (6%) for a 30-year loan term.
It's possible to buy a house with no money upfront, using mortgage products that don't require a down payment. There are a few things to keep in mind, though. For one, you're still on the hook for closing costs and any moving expenses when you close on the house.
What credit score is needed for an FHA loan?
To qualify for an FHA-insured loan, you need a minimum credit score of 580 for a loan with a 3.5% down payment, and a minimum score of 500 with 10% down. However, many FHA lenders require credit scores of at least 620.
You can borrow from $1,000 to $100,000 or more with a 700 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.
To purchase a $200,000 house, you need a down payment of at least $40,000 (20% of the home price) to avoid PMI on a conventional mortgage.
Home sellers often prefer to work with buyers who make at least a 20% down payment. A bigger down payment is a strong signal that your finances are in order, so you may have an easier time getting a mortgage. This can give you an edge over other buyers, especially when the home is in a hot market.
FHA loans (backed by the Federal Government) require as little as 3.5% down, so for a $500,000 property you would need a $17,500 down payment. FHA loans are popular for their more flexible underwriting guidelines, but they usually include larger mortgage insurance premiums – which are also permanent.
