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 (per UHC official program page)
- ✓Designed for buyers recovering from credit challenges
- ✓Traditional DPA: up to 6% of first mortgage, capped at $27,500 (1% above first-mortgage rate)
- ✓Or Deferred DPA: up to 3.5% with no monthly payment, capped at $27,500
- ✓Loan type: 30-year fixed rate
- ✓Mortgage insurance: required (FHA-backed configurations)
- ✓Income limits apply by county (see table below)
- ✓Purchase price limits apply 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 (suspended) | 620 | 700 |
| Who it's for | First-time buyers only | Suspended, see FHA/VA Mortgage | 620+ credit, recovering from credit issues | Buyers who want no PMI, lowest payment |
| Max DPA | 6% / $27,500 cap | Suspended | 6% / $27,500 cap | 6% / $27,500 cap |
| Mortgage insurance | Required on FHA/VA configs | Suspended | Required (FHA-backed configs) | None, eliminated entirely |
| Rate vs. market | Lowest UHC rate | Suspended | Slightly above FirstHome | Slightly above FirstHome |
| Income limits | By county (see UHC limits page) | Suspended | By county (see UHC limits page) | $162,500 qualifying income (uniform) |
| Purchase price limits | By county | Suspended | By county | None (capped by FHA loan amount limit) |
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 FirstHome / Score Income & Purchase Price Limits
Verified against UHC's official limits page, updated annually
| County | 1-2 Person Income Limit | 3+ Person Income Limit | Purchase Price Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake | $122,700 | $141,100 | $653,000 |
| Tooele | $117,700 | $135,400 | $653,000 |
| Utah, Juab | $142,400 | $166,100 | $763,100 |
| Davis, Morgan, Summit, Wasatch, Weber | $141,300 | $162,450 | $772,400 |
| Washington | $116,100 | $133,500 | $616,000 |
| Box Elder, Grand | $120,000 | $140,100 | $736,600 |
| Cache, Carbon, Beaver, Daggett, Emery, Millard, Rich, Sevier, Uintah | $116,100 | $133,500 | $544,200 |
| Duchesne, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Wayne | $139,300 | $162,450 | $665,100 |
Limits are updated annually by Utah Housing Corporation. Source: UHC Income and Purchase Price Limits. 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.
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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.