Finding the perfect home is still the American dream, but finding someone willing to lend you the money for it, is a growing nightmare. In many cases, the disapproval was because consumers didn’t check their credit score before they went searching for a home. If you want to know what kept you locked out, ask the bank credit union or online lender where you applied. If their reply includes negative remarks about your credit score, don’t give up! Rebuilding your credit score is something you can make happen.

There is no fast way to rebuild credit. It will take time and self-sacrifice, but as your score rises, so too does your ability to borrow money on friendly terms. Nearly everyone can improve their credit if you face the challenge and have a plan. So, what is a good credit score to buy a house? It depends on the type of mortgage you’re seeking. Generally speaking, you’ll likely need a score of at least 620, which classifies as “fair” rating, to qualify with most lenders.