Fannie Mae Makes It Easier to Qualify: No Minimum Credit Score and More Updates

Fannie Mae just made big changes to help more people qualify for a home loan. The new rules remove the minimum credit score for Desktop Underwriter® (DU®) loans, give lenders more protection, and make it easier to close on construction and eMortgage loans. Here’s what’s new and what it means for you.

No More Minimum Credit Score

Starting November 16, 2025, Fannie Mae will no longer require a credit score of 620 or higher for DU loans. Instead, DU will look at your full financial picture to see if you qualify. That means even if you have limited credit, you may still be approved if the rest of your application looks strong.

If you don’t have any credit accounts, your lender will use a nontraditional credit history and ask you to take homebuyer education. This change helps first-time buyers and people who haven’t built credit yet.

Want to compare options? See FHA loan basics to learn how Fannie Mae’s new rules stack up.

Lenders Get Relief for Undisclosed Debts

Fannie Mae now gives lenders protection if a small, non-mortgage debt shows up after closing. As long as the loan gets a final DU Approve/Eligible message and the right steps were followed, Fannie Mae won’t hold the lender responsible for missing that debt. Mortgage debts like HELOCs or second liens are not part of this relief.

This means fewer delays for borrowers and less risk for lenders.

Easier Rules for Construction Loans

For single-closing construction-to-permanent loans, lenders can now use credit documents that are up to 18 months old (instead of only 4). The minimum credit score for this rule is also gone. This helps buyers and builders who need more time to finish their homes.

See how this fits with our loan options and builder programs.

More Homes Now Qualify for eMortgages

Homes held in revocable living trusts can now be sold as eMortgages. This makes it easier to close loans digitally while keeping trust ownership in place.

When These Changes Start

• DU Version 12.0 starts the weekend of Nov. 15, 2025.
• No minimum credit score applies to new DU loans starting Nov. 16, 2025.
• Construction-loan and eMortgage updates are already live.

What This Means for You

These changes open doors for more buyers. If you’ve been turned down before because of your credit score or because your build project took too long, things may be different now. The JD.Mortgage team can help you see if these new Fannie Mae rules make you eligible for a home loan today.

Estimate your payment or Contact the JD.Mortgage team to find out what’s possible for you.

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