 TITLE: What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Mortgage? CONTENT: How to Get Your Credit Score Ready for a Mortgage\n-------------------------------------------------\nNo matter what type of mortgage you seek, it's always advantageous to apply with the highest credit score you can manage. Meeting the minimum score requirement for a loan is just the start. Lenders also use your credit score to help set interest rates and fees on the loan, and generally speaking, the higher your credit score, the better your borrowing terms will be and the less you'll pay in interest and fees over the life of the loan.\nIf you're planning to apply for a mortgage in the next 12 months, you may be able to take steps starting today to spruce up your credit score so your loan application reflects the best credit score you can get.\nAny credit score that helps you qualify for a mortgage you can afford can be considered a good score. Even so, most of us have room to improve our scores—and reap potential savings over the lifetime of a mortgage loan. END