The government-backed mortgage giants<\/a> said Wednesday they will begin allowing loans evaluated using VantageScore 4.0, a newer credit scoring model that can incorporate data such as rent and utility payment history.<\/p>\n The change will initially roll out on a limited basis, beginning with a group of approved lenders, as part of a broader credit score<\/a> modernization effort led by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).<\/p>\n HOUSING CRISIS HITS ALL AGES AS HOMEOWNERSHIP DECLINES NATIONWIDE<\/a><\/p>\n “It is only thanks to President Trump’s<\/a> landslide victory and leadership that we finally broke the gridlock to do this \u2014 what’s right for the American people over Washington’s special interest,” FHFA Director William Pulte said at a press conference Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Fannie and Freddie, as I said, are ready to immediately start working with approved lenders to accept VantageScore loans.”<\/p>\n Single family homes line the streets of Thousand Oaks, Calif., April 2, 2026. (\u00a0Kevin Carter\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n Pulte added that Freddie Mac has already begun testing the model, taking delivery of about $10 million in loans evaluated using VantageScore, which are expected to be securitized.<\/p>\n “If you paid your rent for 10 years, that should be factored into your credit score,” Pulte said. “So, I think it will save lots of money. And this truly is the golden age of home buying.”<\/p>\n He also estimated that the change could affect “tens of millions” of Americans.\u00a0<\/p>\n During the limited rollout, approved lenders may choose between VantageScore 4.0 and traditional FICO scores.<\/p>\n AVERAGE MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENT HITS NEW HIGH, TOPPING $2K FOR FIRST TIME EVER<\/a><\/p>\n A person hands over a house key to another individual. (iStock)<\/p>\n A second updated model, FICO Score 10T, is also expected to be introduced as part of the modernization initiative.<\/p>\n FICO 10T also factors in both positive and negative rental payment history when reported to credit bureaus.<\/p>\n “By incorporating newer models with more predictive power, we can support sustainable access to homeownership<\/a> and keep safety, soundness and operational readiness at the center,” Jake Williamson, executive vice president and head of single-family at Fannie Mae, said in a statement.<\/p>\n![\"Houses](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1777073113_328_homes-california.jpg\")
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