Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Boldly Remove Minimum FICO Requirements—Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal

What to Do Now

Real estate investors should pay particular attention to developments in mortgage markets heading into and through 2026, as any significant revisions to “business as usual” could provide tight windows of opportunity to execute. Think of when rates bottomed during the pandemic, or the recently reimplemented 100% bonus depreciation for qualified and participating short-term rental acquisitions. 

Anyone on the qualifying FICO fence, or who was recently declined for conventional loan programs as a result of credit score, including FHA programs, should check in with their lender for an updated prequalification or approval letter.