New Credit Score Flex: Conventional Loans <620 Now Possible
Vancouver WA mortgage broker Bill Black explains how you might still qualify for a conventional loan—even with a credit score under 620.
Big News for Homebuyers & Investors in Southwest Washington
If you’ve been told your credit score under 620 means you’re shut out — that might not be true anymore. I’m Bill Black, your Vancouver WA mortgage broker and multifamily investment coach, and I want to share how a major update from Fannie Mae could open doors for you — whether you’re buying your first home or eyeing investment properties in Southwest Washington.
What’s Changing
Fannie Mae, one of the big backers of conventional mortgages, just flipped a switch in their Desktop Underwriter(DU) automated system. Previously, if a credit score was below 620, the system often returned an automatic denial — no further review.
Now, with the hard 620 cutoff gone, lenders can run loans even with scores under 620 and let the machine review your full financial picture.
Here’s What That Means for You in Plain English
– Before: Under 620 = file never really got read.
– Now: The system will look at your entire profile — not just the number.
That means factors like:
- your debt-to-income ratio(DTI)
- employment & income stability
- the savings or assets you’ve built
- the consistency of your payment history
- If those things are solid, you might still qualify for a conventional loan even if your score“starts with a five.”
Why This Matters in Vancouver, WA & Beyond
In our local market — here in Clark County and around the Columbia River Waterfront, Fisher’s Landing, Felida, Camas, Ridgefield — many folks are financially responsible but just have one credit glitch, limited history, or student-loan scars. What this change does is allow us to consider those folks seriously.
If you’re looking at buying investment property in Vancouver WA(including assumable loans Vancouver WA, DSCR loans in Washington, or multifamily deals) this change gives us one more lever to pull.
What It Doesn’t Mean(So Let’s Be Clear)
- It doesn’t mean everyone with a sub-620 score will get approved.
- Lenders may still have internal minimums above what Fannie Mae permits but as a Broker we can shop for options.
- Standard guidelines for income, assets, credit history still apply.
- So you still need to show you’re a good risk. But now you get a fighting chance.
What You Should Do Next
If your credit score is below 620, here’s your game plan:
- Don’t count yourself out. Reach out — we can run your file through DU and see.
- Keep working on your credit habits. On-time payments, paying down balances, avoiding new debt all still matter.
- Talk to a local lender early. As your Vancouver WA mortgage broker I’ll help you understand whether your overall profile could qualify under the new guidelines.
- If you’re thinking about investment properties in Southwest Washington(multifamily, DSCR loans in Washington, or assumable loans Vancouver WA) let’s get ahead of the curve — these guidelines can factor into your strategy.
Local Market Context
In the greater Clark County market, median home prices are hovering around $553,000 as of September 2025, with homes selling in an average of about 41 days.
That means for a lot of folks — whether buying a home or snapping up an investment property — getting qualified is one of the biggest hurdles. This change helps by broadening what“qualified” can look like.
Why I’m Passionate About This
As someone who coaches Realtors and Real Estate investors mortgages, I’ve seen so many smart, capable people get stuck because of a number — not because they lacked responsible habits or the financial chops. If you’re navigating DSCR loans in Washington, eyeballing investment properties in Vancouver WA, or exploring assumable loans Vancouver WA — this is a chance to change the script.
I want you empowered, not discouraged.
Ready to talk?
Book a strategy call with me, Bill Black: www.BillCBlack.com
Or connect with my partner, Realtor Kelyn Black at www.sellingkeys.com
Let’s plug into your full financial picture and map out how we can make this work for you.
Let us help you!
Our representative will be in touch with you.