Fannie Mae Just Eliminated Its 620 Minimum Credit Score: What That Really Means for Homebuyers

On November 16, 2025, Fannie Mae removed one of the biggest roadblocks in conventional mortgage underwriting: the hard 620 minimum credit score in Desktop Underwriter (DU).

Prior to this update, if nobody on the loan application had at least a 620 score, DU would not give an automated approval.  The response would be a “refer” from DU automatically no matter how strong the file.

But here is the key point most headlines miss: even though more buyers may get a conventional approval, low-score conventional loans can still be much more expensive than FHA once you factor in the interest rate and mortgage insurance. In many real-world cases, FHA will still give you a lower monthly payment, even if conventional technically “approves.” Keep Reading...

Watch the Video: Asset Qualifier Loan Program Explained

The Asset Qualifier Loan Program allows borrowers to qualify for a mortgage using verified assets instead of income documents.
Lenders convert your liquid assets into an income-equivalent figure, requiring no job, no tax returns, and no W-2s. This program is designed
for retirees, self-employed borrowers, investors, and anyone with strong assets but limited reportable income.

Asset Qualifier Loan Program – Qualify Using Your Assets, Not Your Income

By Loan Officer John Thomas, Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.

In the video above, I explain one of the most flexible non-QM mortgage programs available today — the
Asset Qualifier Loan Program. If you have strong savings, retirement funds, or investments but very little
traditional income, this program may allow you to purchase or refinance a home without using W-2s, tax returns, or pay stubs. Keep Reading...