A good credit score makes it easier to qualify for a home loan—at a lower interest rate.

Your credit score shows your overall credit history and helps lenders decide if you qualify for a loan. The higher your credit score, the more mortgage rate options become available to you and the more likely you'll qualify for a lower interest rate.

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender looks at your credit score from the 3 major credit agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, usually taking the middle score for your application. If you are applying with another person, we will take the lower, middle score of the 2.

Credit scores generally range from 300 (lowest) to 850 (highest). For most lenders:

• 700 or above is a "good" score
• 620 and under could make it hard to qualify for a conventional mortgage but there are still options available