Credit

Your Credit Score Just Got a Second Way to Win — Fannie and Freddie Now Price VantageScore 4.0 Like FICO

Douglas Wilkerson

Published on: 09/10/2026

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now price VantageScore 4.0 on the same loan-level pricing grid as Classic FICO — effective for loans purchased on or after Oct 1, 2026. Here's what the single grid means, who it helps, and the question to ask your lender.

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Do You Have to Pay Off Collections to Get a Mortgage in 2026? The Real Rules for FHA, VA, and Conventional Loans

Douglas Wilkerson

Published on: 02/10/2026

Do you have to pay off collections before buying a home? The real 2026 rules: FHA's $2,000 threshold, VA's quiet new collection math, and when conventional loans let you leave them unpaid.

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Private Credit Default Rate Hit a Record 6.3% — What Homebuyers Should Actually Know

Douglas Wilkerson

Published on: 29/09/2026

Private credit defaults hit a record 6.3% in August 2026, with redemption gates spreading across the industry. Here's what that means for homebuyers — and why your mortgage is a different animal. By Douglas Wilkerson, Mortgage Broker.

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What Does Your Credit Score Cost You? The 2026 Score-Tier Price Map for Homebuyers

Douglas Wilkerson

Published on: 29/09/2026

What does your credit score cost on a mortgage? A 640-score buyer pays about $4,600 more upfront and $250/month more in PMI than a 780-score buyer on the same $300K home. The 2026 score-tier price map — plus FHA/VA flat pricing and VantageScore 4.0.