What Credit Score Do You Actually Need to Buy a Home in 2026? (Credit Myths Explained) | Closing the Deal Ep. 54

Most buyers delay buying a home for years because of one major credit myth — and in this episode, we’re putting it to rest.In today’s episode of Closing the Deal, Zach Dickson and mortgage expert Sam Enright break down what credit score you actually need to buy a home in 2026, why perfect credit is not required, and how misinformation keeps buyers stuck on the sidelines.We cover:The minimum credit scores lenders can work withWhat an optimal credit score really does for your loanWhy waiting for a 700+ score can cost you more in the long runThe fastest ways people accidentally destroy their credit before buyingA real client success story where credit jumped 100+ points in weeksIf credit is the thing holding you back from buying in 2026, this episode walks you through exactly what lenders look for and how to build a realistic game plan — even if you’re not ready today.🎧 Follow Closing the Deal for weekly, clear, honest home-buying education as we build your full 2026 buying plan.00:00 – The credit myth that keeps buyers renting for years00:42 – Why most people were never taught how credit actually works02:47 – How outdated advice gets passed down through generations05:15 – Do you really need perfect credit to buy a home?07:20 – Minimum credit scores lenders can approve in 202609:40 – Why “waiting for a 700 score” can be a costly mistake11:19 – How credit score impacts interest rates & buying power12:26 – The biggest credit mistakes before buying a home14:40 – Why late payments crush credit faster than anything else17:50 – Real client story: 100+ point credit increase & closed deal20:58 – Final takeaway for buyers worried about credit in 2026