New Study Tracks Credit Score Recovery After Homebuying – NMP Skip to main content

New Study Tracks Credit Score Recovery After Homebuying

Oct 31, 2018
New homebuyers can expect an average of four months of falling credit after purchasing their property, according to a new data analysis from LendingTree

New homebuyers can expect an average of four months of falling credit after purchasing their property, according to a new data analysis from LendingTree.
 
On average, credit scores for homebuyers fall by 15 points and take 160 days to reach their low points. Recovery takes an average of an additional 161 days for scores to return to their prior levels.
 
In some markets, credit score recovery times can be faster or slower than the national average.
 
Among the nation’s 50 largest metros, Richmond, Va., had the nation’s fastest credit score recovery after taking out a mortgage: the average initial credit score of 693 only saw a 13-point decline and a 266-day recovery period. Milwaukee had the slowest recovery time: an average initial credit score of 700 and a 11-point average decline required 384 days for recovery.
 
"A house is the biggest purchase most people make in their lifetime, with the accompanying mortgage being their largest financial transaction," said Tendayi Kapfidze, Chief Economist at LendingTree. "Most people know they should work toward having the best possible credit score before applying for a mortgage, as an applicant's credit score can significantly affect the amount and cost of borrowing."
New homebuyers can expect an average of four months of falling credit after purchasing their property, according to a new data analysis from LendingTree

 
About the author
Published
Oct 31, 2018
Strong Jobs Report Threatens Mortgage Rate Rally

October hiring more than doubled expectations, pushing Treasury yields higher

Nov 06, 2026
Fed Holds Rates, But Pricing Pressures Persist

Rising Treasury yields and fresh inflation data complicate rate locks, borrower qualification, and lender margins as markets anticipate another hike in December

Oct 29, 2026
Zippy Adds Capital For Manufactured-Home Lending Push

The $20 million investment from Saluda Grade will support expansion beyond 27 states and new loan products across wholesale, retail, and community channels

Oct 16, 2026
Inflation Hits 3.7%, Putting Mortgage Rate Relief At Risk

September’s inflation pickup puts recent rate improvements at risk, potentially eroding affordability gains from lower home prices and seller concessions

Oct 14, 2026
PLACE Acquires Ardley, Expanding Push To Turn Existing Borrowers Into New Loans

The latest deal connects borrower retention technology with Maxwell's origination platform and PLACE's real estate network, creating new opportunities for lenders

Oct 09, 2026
Equifax, TransUnion Launch New Tools To Cut Credit Report Costs

Both bureaus introduce ways to purchase credit scores separately from reports, while Equifax reports growing VantageScore adoption and extends $1 pricing through 2028

Oct 09, 2026