When applying for a mortgage, your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider. But here’s the truth: the score you see on free credit apps isnotthe score mortgage lenders use. At HOMEROCK Mortgage, we rely on the FICO 2 Mortgage Report—the industry standard for home financing.
The FICO 2 (also known as FICO Classic 04) is one of the original FICO scoring models and is still required by major agencies including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and VA.
This report is designed specifically to predict mortgage repayment risk. When lenders pull your “mortgage credit report,” they use FICO 2, FICO 4, and FICO 5, not the consumer scores you see elsewhere.
✔Required by federal guidelines– Conventional and government loans mandate these legacy models.
✔Built for mortgages– Decades of data focused on home loan repayment patterns.
✔Consistency across lenders– Ensures borrowers are evaluated fairly nationwide.
✔Full credit picture– Includes scores from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
Most free apps (like Credit Karma) show you a VantageScore 3.0, not yourFICO® 2. While helpful for tracking your financial health, VantageScore is not accepted for mortgage approvals.
| Feature | FICO 2 (Mortgage Report) | Vantage Score 3.0 |
| Used for Mortgages | ✅ Yes – Industry Standard | ❌ No |
| Purpose | Predicts mortgage repayment risk | General consumer credit awareness |
| Bureaus Used | All 3 bureaus (tri-merge report) | May use 1 bureau |
| Score Range | 300–850 | 300–850 (different weighting) |
| Common Surprise | Often lower than VantageScore | Often higher thanFICOMortgage Score |
Example: You might see a 720 VantageScore on an app, but only a 680 FICO 2 score on your mortgage credit report. Lenders are required to use the latter.
When you’re preparing to buy a home, it’s critical to understand your true mortgage credit score. That’s why HomeRock Mortgage:
Your FICO 2 Mortgage Report is the credit score that matters when it comes to mortgage approval. Don’t rely on free apps or bank statements—work with a lender who uses the same scoring models required by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and VA.
At HOMEROCK Mortgage, we focus on what really counts—helping you qualify with the right credit score and making your homeownership dreams a reality.
Ready to check your true mortgage score?
Contact HomeRock Mortgage today and let our team guide you through the process with confidence.