Credit score affects loan approval and interest rates; scores >720 are high, <650 makes approval difficult.
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) should be ≤36%; higher DTI may limit loan approval or increase payments.
Down payments usually 10%-20%; higher credit scores may qualify for low or no down payment options.
Fixed-rate loans offer stable payments; adjustable-rate loans start lower but may increase over time.
Choose mortgage type based on finances, credit, and local market; consult your banker for best fit.