On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) will begin accepting VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage underwriting. This change, which happens with immediate effect, hopes to create more qualified borrowers by modernizing credit scoring models in addition to the traditional FICO score.
VantageScore 4.0 includes additional data points—such as rental, utility, and telecom payments—in the credit report, rewarding borrowers for making timely payments. These other data points have traditionally been excluded from credit reports.
NAR has long advocated for the modernization of the credit scoring system, including the use of additional data points, to help borrowers—especially those with limited credit. The change gives potential homebuyers an extra boost that can either qualify them for a mortgage or lower the cost of the loan.
The acceptance of a new model also increases competition and will likely lead to lower credit report costs and more accurate reports.
NAR previously sent a letterpdf with other industry partners encouraging the adoption of VantageScore 4.0.
NAR will continue to work with FHFA and Congress to bring further updates to credit scoring to give more qualified borrowers the opportunity to buy a home.