Credit Scoring Is Changing: What San Diego Homebuyers Should Know

If you plan to buy a home in San Diego County, your credit score will shape your loan options and your interest rate. Now the rules around which scores lenders can use are starting to change. Here is what that means for buyers in Chula Vista, the South Bay, and across San Diego, and how to get ready.

What Is Changing in Credit Scoring?

The short answer: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now accept two newer scoring models, VantageScore 4.0 and FICO Score 10T, in addition to the traditional Classic FICO. These are national rules that apply to loans in California too.

Here is the timeline so far:

• April 22, 2026: The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and HUD announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will accept loans scored with VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T. FHA will also permit both models.
• September 9, 2026: Freddie Mac opened VantageScore 4.0 to all of its sellers.
• FICO 10T: Approved, but Freddie Mac says it will be available "at a later date," with advance notice to lenders.

Lenders that are not taking part yet continue to use Classic FICO.

What the Original Article Says

A recent Keeping Current Matters article highlights three points for homebuyers: many people are guessing about what score they need, credit rules are changing, and a loan officer is the best person to explain where you stand. It also notes that Fannie Mae research has shown consumers consistently overestimate the minimum score required, with the average guess at 652 in 2023, while the benchmark for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans is 620. The article adds that VantageScore can score about 33 million adults that Classic FICO cannot.

Why It Matters in the San Diego Housing Market

The scoring changes are national, but the stakes are local. According to SDAR data for September 2026:

Measure	San Diego County
Median sales price	$910,000 (up 1.7% from a year ago)
Detached homes	$1,079,000 (up 5.8%)
Attached homes	$670,000 (down 0.2%)
Active inventory	5,684 (down 4.8%)
Median days on market	39

With prices at this level, loan amounts are large. A small difference in your interest rate can change your monthly payment and total cost over time. That is why knowing your real standing before you shop matters in the San Diego real estate market.

What This Means for Homebuyers

Your App Score May Not Be the Lender's Score

Different models can give the same person different scores. The number in a free app is a good starting point, but it may not be the one your lender pulls.

Ask Which Model Your Lender Uses

Because adoption is rolling out, lenders may use different models for now. Ask your loan officer early so there are no surprises.

The Basics Still Work

Paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding new debt before closing help under any scoring model.

Don't Guess the Minimum

A 620 benchmark is common for many conventional loans, but it is not a rule for every loan. FHA and other programs have their own guidelines. A lender can tell you what applies to your situation.

What This Means for Homeowners and Sellers

If you own a home in Eastlake, Otay Ranch, Bonita, or anywhere in the South Bay and plan to move up or downsize, your next purchase will involve credit, too. It is smart to check your credit a few months before you list so your buying plan and your selling plan fit together.

If you are selling, buyer qualification matters to you as well. More scoring options may help more buyers qualify over time, though how quickly depends on how fast lenders adopt the new models.

Practical Advice From a Local Agent

After more than 23 years helping San Diego families buy and sell, I see the same pattern. The buyers who feel confident are the ones who talked to a lender early. Before you tour homes:

1. Check your credit reports for errors.
2. Talk with a loan officer about which score they use.
3. Build a realistic budget around the price range you are considering.
4. Keep your finances steady once you have a plan.

If you do not have a lender yet, I am glad to introduce you to professionals I trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to buy a home in San Diego?

There is no single number. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac use 620 as a common benchmark for many conventional loans, but requirements vary by loan type, down payment, and lender. A loan officer can tell you where you stand.

Will the new credit scoring models change my score?

They can. Different models may produce different scores for the same person. The habits that build good credit stay the same.

Which credit scoring model will my lender use?

That depends on the lender. Lenders that are not using the new options yet continue to use Classic FICO, so it is worth asking.

When will FICO 10T be used for mortgages?

Freddie Mac says FICO 10T will be available at a later date and has not published a start date.

Should I wait to apply for a mortgage because of these changes?

The changes alone are not a reason to put your plans on hold. A lender can tell you what makes sense for your timeline and goals.

Ready to Talk About Your Next Move?

Every buyer and every neighborhood is different. If you are thinking about buying or selling in San Diego, let's look at your options together.