Score Loan — Built for 620+ Credit
Most buyers with 620–659 credit think they're stuck with bad options. The UHC Score Loan exists specifically for you — full down payment assistance, 30-year fixed rate, and a path to ownership that doesn't punish you for an imperfect credit history.
What Is the Score Loan?
The Score Loan is one of four UHC first mortgage programs. It was created specifically for buyers whose credit score falls in the 620–659 range — a gap where conventional loans are either unavailable or expensive, and FHA loans carry permanent mortgage insurance. The Score Loan pairs a UHC first mortgage with up to 6% down payment assistance (DPA), making it possible to buy with little to no cash out of pocket.
Key Program Facts
- ✓Minimum credit score: 620
- ✓Target range: 620–659 (660+ usually qualifies for FirstHome or HomeAgain)
- ✓Down payment assistance: up to 6% of the first mortgage amount
- ✓Loan type: 30-year fixed rate
- ✓Mortgage insurance: varies by configuration
- ✓Income limits apply (similar to other UHC programs)
- ✓Purchase price limits: 2026 limits by county (see table below)
Property Types Eligible
- ✓Single-family homes
- ✓Townhomes
- ✓Condos (subject to approval)
- ✓Owner-occupied primary residences only
- ✓No investment properties
- ✓No second homes or vacation properties
Why the Score Loan Exists
The credit scoring gap between 580 and 720 is where most Utah first-time buyers get stuck
FHA loans are available at 580, but they charge lifetime mortgage insurance — at 620, the annual MIP is 0.55–0.85%, and it never goes away on most configurations. Conventional loans at 620 require PMI and carry higher rates due to loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs). Neither option is cheap.
The Score Loan fills this gap. Utah Housing Corporation negotiated bulk pricing and subsidies that individual buyers simply cannot access on their own. By pooling volume across hundreds of loans, UHC is able to offer meaningful assistance to buyers who would otherwise be stuck paying premium prices for their financing.
Important Tradeoff to Know
The rate on the Score Loan is slightly higher than FirstHome or HomeAgain. That is the tradeoff for the lower credit requirement. However, for most buyers in the 620–659 range, the Score Loan still beats FHA on total cost over a 5–7 year horizon, especially when you factor in FHA's 1.75% upfront MIP and ongoing monthly insurance.
Score Loan vs. Other UHC Programs
See how Score compares to FirstHome, HomeAgain, and NoMI side by side
| Feature | FirstHome | HomeAgain | Score | NoMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min credit score | 660 | 660 | 620 | 660 |
| Who it's for | First-time buyers | Repeat buyers / higher income | 620–659 credit buyers | Buyers who want no PMI |
| Max DPA | 6% | 6% | 6% | 6% |
| Mortgage insurance | Required on some configs | Required on some configs | Required | None |
| Rate vs. market | Below market | Below market | Slightly above FirstHome | Below market |
| Income limits | Yes | Higher/flexible | Yes | Yes |
Score Loan + DPA: How It Works
Two DPA structures — choose the one that fits your plans
Deferred DPA (0% Interest)
The DPA is structured as a second mortgage at 0% interest, with payments deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. No monthly payment on the DPA at all.
- ✓ Lowest first mortgage rate
- ✓ No monthly DPA payment
- ✓ DPA repaid at sale or refi
- ✓ Best total cost if selling within 7 years
Forgivable DPA (7-Year Term)
A slightly higher first mortgage rate in exchange for full DPA forgiveness after 7 years if you remain in the home. Stay 7 years and the DPA balance disappears entirely.
- ✓ DPA forgiven after 7 years
- ✓ No repayment if you stay long-term
- ✓ Pro-rated repayment if sold early
- ✓ Best for buyers planning to stay 7+ years
For most Score Loan buyers, the deferred option saves more over time unless you plan to stay long-term. Ask your lender to run both scenarios with real numbers before deciding.
2026 Income & Purchase Price Limits
Approximate figures — limits are updated annually
| County | 1-2 Person Income Limit | 3+ Person Income Limit | Purchase Price Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake | ~$98,500 | ~$113,000 | ~$600,000 |
| Utah County | ~$94,000 | ~$107,000 | ~$570,000 |
| Davis County | ~$94,000 | ~$107,000 | ~$570,000 |
| Weber County | ~$88,000 | ~$101,000 | ~$520,000 |
| Washington County | ~$88,000 | ~$101,000 | ~$520,000 |
| Cache County | ~$82,000 | ~$94,000 | ~$480,000 |
Limits are updated annually by Utah Housing Corporation. Always verify current figures with a UHC-approved lender before making offers.
How to Apply for the Score Loan
Check Your Credit Score
Pull your score for free via Credit Karma, Experian, or your bank. Confirm you're at 620 or above before moving forward.
Get a DPA Quote From a UHC-Approved Lender
A UHC-approved lender can run actual figures on your Score Loan options — rate, DPA amount, and estimated monthly payment.
Complete a HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Course
Required for all UHC programs. Most online courses take 6–8 hours and cost $75–$125. Some local agencies offer free versions.
Submit Your Full Loan Application
Once you're under contract on a home, your lender submits the full application package to UHC for underwriting review.
Close on Your Home
Sign documents, receive your keys, and move in. The DPA second mortgage is recorded at closing — no extra cash needed.
Can I Stack the Score Loan With County Grants?
Yes — the UHC Score Loan can be combined with county DPA programs in many cases. This is where the total assistance can get substantial.
Not all county programs allow stacking with UHC. Ask your lender which combinations are currently permitted. Numbers above are illustrative on a $400,000 purchase price.
✦ Real Client Stories
What Our Clients Say
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Your Score Doesn't Define Your Future
Book a free consultation and we'll compare Score Loan vs. FHA vs. conventional for your specific credit profile. You'll get real numbers — rate, monthly payment, total cost over 5 years — so you can make the decision that actually makes sense for your situation.
Score Loan FAQs
Common questions about the UHC Score Loan program