Fannie, Freddie to accept 'predictive' credit scores, US officials say

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now accept additional credit scores that incorporate rent and utility payment history, expanding the data used to assess mortgage creditworthiness. The policy change could modestly broaden mortgage access for borrowers with thin credit files or limited traditional credit history. The announcement is supportive for housing finance but is more incremental than market-moving.

Analysis

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now accept additional credit scores that incorporate rent and utility payment history, expanding the data used to assess mortgage creditworthiness. The policy change could modestly broaden mortgage access for borrowers with thin credit files or limited traditional credit history. The announcement is supportive for housing finance but is more incremental than market-moving.