Easiest Mortgages to Qualify for in November 2025
CNBC Select reviewed over a dozen mortgage lenders to determine which offer the most accessible approval standards. While obtaining a mortgage can be challenging—since lenders assess income, assets, and existing debts—some programs remain easier to qualify for than others.
Rising Rejection Rates
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that the average rejection rate for mortgage applications rose from 12.1% in 2023 to 20.7% in 2024.
“Refinance application rejections climbed to a decade-high of 25.6%.”
Programs and Qualification Criteria
CNBC Select compared many lenders offering a variety of mortgage programs, including conventional, FHA, VA, HomeReady, Home Possible, Rocket ONE+, jumbo, refinance, and home equity loans. Loan terms typically include 10-, 15-, and 30-year fixed-rate options, as well as customized fixed terms from 8 to 29 years.
- Minimum credit score: 620 for conventional loans, 500 for FHA.
- Minimum down payment: 0% for VA, 1% for Rocket ONE+, 3% for conventional, 3.5% for FHA, and 10–15% for jumbo loans.
Additional Opportunities
Borrowers working with Rocket Mortgage can explore the Rocket Visa Signature Card, which offers rewards to mortgage customers. Rocket Mortgage serves clients across all 50 U.S. states.
Author’s Summary: In late 2025, mortgage approval remains challenging, but several lenders provide lower credit and down payment thresholds, easing homeownership access for qualified borrowers.