Homebuyers: Lending Standards Are Still Tight, but New Credit Scores May Help

As someone who’s spent over 25 years helping folks in the Florida Panhandle navigate the mortgage process, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging today’s lending standards can be for homebuyers. With home sales hovering near a 31-year low, it’s no secret that strict lending criteria, high mortgage rates, and increasing costs are making homeownership feel just out of reach for many. The recent addition of new credit models that factor in rent and utility payments is a welcome step, aiming to broaden access. Yet, despite these changes, a lot of low-income and minority buyers are still finding doors closed—even though we’re seeing low delinquency and default rates in these groups. My approach at Bayshore Mortgage Funding is to look beyond the numbers and offer solutions that traditional lenders often overlook. It’s always been my mission to help more people realize their dream of owning a home, no matter their background or situation.