Fannie Mae Drops FICO Minimums: What This Means for Real Estate Investors

A hand is holding a key over another hand ready to receive the key.

Fannie Mae has removed the 620-point minimum credit score for conventional loans, effective Nov 16, 2025.
Lenders can now consider alternative credit data like rent or utility payments, giving real estate investors new flexibility to refinance sooner and move from private money to conventional financing.

100% Financing vs. Loan-to-Value (LTV): What Real Estate Investors Need to Know

A split screen image comparing two real estate financing scenarios. On the left: 100% Financing with a visual of a house one-half of a stack of money beside it (representing no down payment). On the right: 75% LTV with a house and a full stack of cash beside it, representing the required down payment.

When it comes to real estate investing, understanding the dynamics of 100% financing and Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios is crucial. 100% financing allows for property acquisition with no down payment, but carries significant risks. LTV is essential for lenders to assess risk, influencing financing amounts. This article examines the pros and cons of both options, helping you make informed choices. Learn to balance 100% financing with risk management to optimize your investment.