Abby Badach Doyle

For credit score in general, just like everything else, the higher the better. You're going to have a more competitive interest rate. You're going to have more options if you have a stronger credit score. Most borrowers have scores in the high 600s to low 700s, and each lender is going to set their own minimum credit score. score by loan type.

I love that you brought that up because that can be such a useful first step and that can really make a difference if you're able to get a lower interest rate with a better credit score. Building that credit as a first step in home buying readiness overall is a really smart place to start.

I love that you brought that up because that can be such a useful first step and that can really make a difference if you're able to get a lower interest rate with a better credit score. Building that credit as a first step in home buying readiness overall is a really smart place to start.

I love that you brought that up because that can be such a useful first step and that can really make a difference if you're able to get a lower interest rate with a better credit score. Building that credit as a first step in home buying readiness overall is a really smart place to start.

That's an option if you don't have a lot of cash saved up, but it is risky and I'd consider that to be a last resort. And Sean, I know you have some thoughts and experience on this topic too.

That's an option if you don't have a lot of cash saved up, but it is risky and I'd consider that to be a last resort. And Sean, I know you have some thoughts and experience on this topic too.

That's an option if you don't have a lot of cash saved up, but it is risky and I'd consider that to be a last resort. And Sean, I know you have some thoughts and experience on this topic too.

If the issue is that you don't have a lot of cash saved up, I'd recommend looking into down payment and closing cost assistance instead of tapping your 401k.

If the issue is that you don't have a lot of cash saved up, I'd recommend looking into down payment and closing cost assistance instead of tapping your 401k.

If the issue is that you don't have a lot of cash saved up, I'd recommend looking into down payment and closing cost assistance instead of tapping your 401k.

So most down payment assistance programs, also closing cost assistance programs, most options are available to first-time buyers with low to moderate incomes. But there are some options out there that include higher income or repeat buyers. Down payment assistance, it can come in the form of a grant. So that's free money that you don't have to pay back. A forgivable loan.

So most down payment assistance programs, also closing cost assistance programs, most options are available to first-time buyers with low to moderate incomes. But there are some options out there that include higher income or repeat buyers. Down payment assistance, it can come in the form of a grant. So that's free money that you don't have to pay back. A forgivable loan.

So most down payment assistance programs, also closing cost assistance programs, most options are available to first-time buyers with low to moderate incomes. But there are some options out there that include higher income or repeat buyers. Down payment assistance, it can come in the form of a grant. So that's free money that you don't have to pay back. A forgivable loan.

So if you stay in the house for five or 10 years, then the loan is forgiven. or a low-interest loan with good repayment terms. So sources for down payment assistance, the big one is state housing finance agencies, but you can also find grants and assistance through local nonprofits, local governments, so your city, your county, and different mortgage lenders.

So if you stay in the house for five or 10 years, then the loan is forgiven. or a low-interest loan with good repayment terms. So sources for down payment assistance, the big one is state housing finance agencies, but you can also find grants and assistance through local nonprofits, local governments, so your city, your county, and different mortgage lenders.

So if you stay in the house for five or 10 years, then the loan is forgiven. or a low-interest loan with good repayment terms. So sources for down payment assistance, the big one is state housing finance agencies, but you can also find grants and assistance through local nonprofits, local governments, so your city, your county, and different mortgage lenders.

So credit unions, banks, a non-bank mortgage lender, even some employers have first-time homebuyer assistance to incentivize employees to buy in their HQ city.

So credit unions, banks, a non-bank mortgage lender, even some employers have first-time homebuyer assistance to incentivize employees to buy in their HQ city.

So credit unions, banks, a non-bank mortgage lender, even some employers have first-time homebuyer assistance to incentivize employees to buy in their HQ city.

Definitely assemble your home buying squad so you don't have to go all of this alone. Find a good buyer's agent who's experienced working with down payment and closing cost assistance programs. Again, a good mortgage broker, a loan officer, someone who's really experienced and like does this day in, day out for a living.