Credit Score for a Mortgage

A mortgage would be an ideal loan to have when you are looking at purchasing a home. This is a large purchase, and generally, people do not have enough cash on hand to go up and buy one. This is why mortgage loans are provided to those who want to buy a house.

Understanding more about a mortgage, as well as your credit and the requirements necessary can help you make a more informed decision. A home purchase is a huge purchase, and you want to make the right decision. You want to know how much you can afford, that you are comfortable with the loan itself, as well as a number of other requirements that might be necessary to meet.

We’ve compiled the information you need to make the most informed and decided decision on the mortgage to go with. You will feel more confident and comfortable when you have this information on hand.

What is a Mortgage?


A mortgage is a loan that a person would get to purchase a home. It is usually a large loan that covers most of the cost of a home unless you have a large amount to put down. A mortgage is a great tool that is necessary when you want to purchase a home.

A mortgage is a loan so there are requirements that have to be met in order for the individual to qualify for the loan. The loan term will vary depending on who you are working with, but general timelines are between 15 and 30 years’ time. You would pay on this loan every month for the amount that is agreed upon when you are approved for the loan.

A mortgage is something that many Canadians have, and if you’re interested in purchasing a home of your own; you may be considering a mortgage, as well.

Your Credit Score and Other Requirements Necessary


The credit score and requirements will vary depending on the lender that you choose to work with. These requirements are important to know if you’re going to be applying for a mortgage through one of the lenders.

The mortgage that you want to get will require you to have a credit score of 680 or higher. In past times, the credit score would be lower. Since times have changed and the economy is in a different place, the credit scores have been increased. This is something that might likely change with time, so it is important to ask the lender their requirements before applying.

The credit score that you have should be something you know. You can use a wide range of credit checking apps that tell you where your credit score is and the history you have. Here are some of the free apps that you can take advantage of:

  • Credit Sesame
  • Credit Karma
  • Equifax
  • CreditWise
  • Mint 

Whichever you choose is up to you and they provide the same insightful information that is necessary to help you know if you qualify for a number of loans, including a mortgage.

Why is Your Credit Score Important for a Mortgage?


The credit score that you have is important to know when you are applying for a mortgage. This is what is going to determine how much you pay in interest and if you qualify for the mortgage loan itself.

Knowing your credit score is going to put you in the best position to know ahead of time if you qualify and meet the credit requirements that they have. Some lenders have specific credit score and history requirements, especially depending on the type of mortgage that you are looking to get.

The interest rate that you obtain from the loans that you’re looking to get will go off of the rates supplied by the lender but also the credit score and history that you have. This is why it is important to have a higher, better credit score. You want to get the best rate on the mortgage that you will end up paying for years to come. The better the rate, the better the payments are going to be during this time.

You can enjoy the benefits of obtaining a Canadian mortgage with the right credit score and requirements met. This way, you can purchase your own home with the use of this loan and the interest rate that matches the credit score and history that you have.

Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Score for a Mortgage


What if I am not a Canadian resident, am I able to still get a Canadian mortgage for a property?

Yes. You do not have to be a Canadian resident to get a home, but you do have to have at least 35% to put down. You also have to meet the requirements of the lender in order to get the loan. This is something that you have to think about when you apply for the loan as a different citizen.

Speaking with the lender can provide more insight into what they’ll want from you as not a Canadian resident.

Will the lender tell me why I was denied if I don’t qualify for the mortgage?

This depends on the lender, but in general, they have to give you some information as to why they did not accept you or why you did not qualify for the mortgage or other loan. You can also ask them why you were denied in the first place, which is something that you will want to know in order to work on it to obtain a mortgage for the future.

What is the average credit score in Canada?

The average credit score for those living in Canada is around 650. This is a median score that many of the Canadians in the area have. The scores have been declining over the months due to the pandemic, but since things have been changing; credit scores have been increasing.

There are many ways you can increase your credit score, so consider looking into a lender who can provide more insight into your score and what needs to be changed for a healthier credit future.

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Amanda Leach

Fifteen years can be a long time to work in one industry, but not when you are doing something that you love. Amanda has enjoyed the freedom of working as a freelance writer for the majority of her career. She has successfully combined her passion and skill for writing while still enjoying a life filled with travel, learning and exciting new experiences. While she loves exploring all different types of writing, her PhD in Consumer Psychology has made her a sought after writer for marketing, business and technology fields. Amanda is a regular contributor to Smarter Loans.