Shaya Seidenfeld Explains the Role of Credit Scores in Home Buying

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. And while most people focus on saving for a down payment or finding the right neighborhood, there’s another piece that can make or break the deal: your credit score.

With over 20 years in the real estate world, Shaya Seidenfeld knows firsthand how much weight lenders place on that three-digit number—and how it can impact your ability to buy the home you really want.

What Lenders See When They Look at Your Credit Score

Before a bank hands over hundreds of thousands of dollars, they want to feel confident you’ll pay them back. That’s where your credit score comes in.

According to Shaya Seidenfeld, your score reflects your history with borrowing. It shows lenders:

• How responsible you’ve been with credit cards and loans

• If you pay your bills on time

• How much debt you carry compared to your credit limits

The better your credit score, the more trust you earn—and the more doors open for you in the housing market.

Credit Score Ranges and What They Mean

Your score falls somewhere between 300 and 850. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Excellent: 750 and above – top-tier rates and the widest loan options

• Good: 700–749 – still strong, with access to solid mortgage terms

• Fair: 650–699 – you may qualify, but expect higher interest rates

• Poor: Below 650 – more limited options and tougher approval process

Shaya Seidenfeld points out that you don’t need a perfect score to buy a home, but improving it even a little can make a big difference in what you pay over time.

How Your Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage

There’s no sugarcoating it—your credit score directly affects your home-buying power.

Here’s how:

• Interest Rates: A higher score often means lower interest, which could save you tens of thousands over the life of your loan.

• Loan Approval: Some lenders have minimum score requirements; fall below, and you might be denied.

• Down Payment Needs: With a better score, lenders may ask for less money upfront.

As Shaya Seidenfeld explains, many buyers are surprised to find that a 20-point difference in their score can completely change their monthly payments.

Smart Ways to Boost Your Score Before Buying

If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, don’t panic. There are steps you can take now to make improvements.

Shaya Seidenfeld suggests:

• Check your credit reports from all three bureaus. Mistakes happen—fix them fast.

• Pay bills on time—consistently. Even one late payment can hurt your score.

• Cut down credit card balances to lower your credit usage ratio.

• Avoid new credit cards before applying for a mortgage.

These aren’t overnight fixes, but even a few months of solid credit habits can lead to better mortgage options.

Myths That Could Be Hurting Your Credit

Over the years, Shaya Seidenfeld has heard it all. Here are a few credit myths that need to be put to rest:

• “I shouldn’t check my own credit—it’ll hurt my score.”
  Not true. Personal checks are soft inquiries and don’t affect your rating.

• “I should close unused credit cards.”
  Actually, this can lower your score by shortening your credit history.

• “I need a perfect score to buy a home.”
  You don’t. Many buyers get approved with fair credit, especially if they have steady income and savings.

Final Thoughts from Shaya Seidenfeld

Credit scores might feel like just another number, but they carry real weight. They can determine not just if you buy a home—but how much that home will ultimately cost you.

Shaya Seidenfeld has guided countless buyers through this journey and knows that the smartest thing you can do before house hunting is to understand where your credit stands.

If you’re planning to buy soon:

• Take a look at your credit reports

• Make a plan to strengthen your score

• Get advice from someone who’s been through it all—like Shaya Seidenfeld

Your future home might be closer than you think. All it takes is the right knowledge—and the right steps today.