Which FICO Score Models Matter for Kentucky Mortgage Loans?
FICO® scores are the cornerstone of mortgage approvals, but not all FICO scores are created equal. If you're buying a home in Kentucky—especially using government-backed loans like FHA, VA, or USDA—it's crucial to understand which versions lenders actually use to qualify you.
Understanding the FICO® Scores Used by Mortgage Lenders
When you check your credit score on apps like Credit Karma or your bank, you're likely seeing a version that lenders don’t use for mortgages. These are typically FICO 8 or VantageScore 3.0. Mortgage lenders, on the other hand, use older FICO score versions designed specifically for risk evaluation in home lending.
Which FICO Scores Do Lenders Pull?
Here's what most Kentucky mortgage lenders look at:
- FICO Score 2 (Experian)
- FICO Score 4 (TransUnion)
- FICO Score 5 (Equifax)
These are often referred to collectively as the “classic FICO models” and are used for:
- FHA Loans
- VA Loans
- USDA Rural Housing Loans
- Conventional Loans (via Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac)
Why Is Your Mortgage Score Different Than Credit Karma?
Credit Karma uses VantageScore 3.0, which isn't used in mortgage underwriting. It may show a score that's 20–40 points higher (or lower) than what your lender sees. That’s why getting a lender-pulled tri-merge report is essential before house hunting.
How to Improve the Right FICO Score
- Keep credit card utilization under 30%
- Avoid new hard inquiries 30–60 days before applying
- Dispute inaccurate accounts directly with bureaus (but avoid disputes right before applying)
- Pay down revolving debt first
Get Pre-Qualified with a Mortgage Expert in Kentucky
Ready to check your real mortgage credit scores? Get started with a free pre-qualification from Joel Lobb (NMLS #57916) at EVO Mortgage.
📞 Call or Text: (502) 905-3708
📧 Email: kentuckyloan@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.kentuckyfirsttimehomebuyer.com
