Mortgage Myth #20: You’re too young, you don’t have enough credit history.
Think age or thin credit history is holding you back? The truth is, there are strategies to qualify for a mortgage even as a young buyer.
The Myth
“You’re too young to buy a home—you don’t have enough credit history.”
The Truth
Age is not a barrier to homeownership, and you don’t need decades of credit history to qualify. Lenders care more about financial readiness and how you manage credit—not how long you’ve been alive.
Why People Believe This
Many young adults assume homeownership is for “later in life.” Parents and peers often reinforce the idea that without years of credit history or a high income, lenders won’t take them seriously. But mortgage guidelines don’t disqualify you based on age—they simply require you to show you can handle the responsibility.
Detailed Breakdown
- Age Requirements: You only need to be 18 to legally sign a mortgage note. There’s no “too young” cutoff.
- Credit History: While a long history helps, lenders also consider nontraditional credit (like rent, utilities, subscriptions, or cell phone payments) when traditional credit is thin.
- First-Time Buyer Programs: FHA, VA, USDA, and state housing authorities often cater to younger or first-time buyers with lower credit requirements.
- Co-Signers & Co-Borrowers: Parents or relatives can sometimes co-sign to strengthen your application.
- Income Consistency: Recent grads or young professionals may still qualify with job offer letters or just a few months of employment history.
Real-World Example
Sarah, age 23, assumed she needed years of credit to buy her first home. She had just two credit cards and on-time rent history. Using a first-time homebuyer program, we documented her rent as credit and paired her with a low down payment option. Sarah bought her first townhouse within a year of graduating college—without waiting a decade.
The Bottom Line
Your age doesn’t determine your ability to buy a home—your financial habits and strategy do. With the right guidance, even young buyers with short credit histories can become homeowners.
Call to Action
Ready to explore your real path to homeownership? Let’s build your personalized Game Plan. You can download our First Time Homebuyer Guide or, contact me for a more personalized plan.
