Fannie Mae Just Changed the Game: How Loan Officers Can Turn the New DU Credit Update into Leads This Week

A Big Shift in Mortgage Underwriting

Fannie Mae just announced one of the most important underwriting updates we’ve seen in years — and it goes into effect November 16th. The hard 620 minimum credit score requirement is being removed from Desktop Underwriter (DU).

Instead of using a fixed cutoff, DU will now rely on its overall risk assessment, analyzing the borrower’s full credit profile, not just their score.

As Deven Gillen explains on hovadigital.com, when major lending rule changes like this drop, loan officers who act quickly can build trust and capture new conversations before competitors even start talking about it.

What This Change Actually Means

For borrowers, this isn’t a “free pass” or a guaranteed approval. Lenders can still apply their own credit overlays, and DU’s findings are still just eligibility recommendations — not approvals.

But it does mean that borrowers with thin credit files, nontraditional credit, or recently improved credit histories may now get a different DU result than before.

In short: the system will look beyond just the number. That’s a big messaging opportunity for mortgage pros who know how to explain it clearly.

How Loan Officers Can Turn This Into Marketing Momentum

According to Deven Gillen, this kind of change is exactly what separates the average originator from the local expert. Here’s how you can use it right now:

1. Create a 30-Second Explainer Video

Record a short, educational video with a simple hook like:

“It’s not just your score anymore.”

In your video, quickly explain:

• Fannie Mae’s new DU update removes the hard 620 minimum.

• DU now considers the full picture, not just the score.

• Borrowers who were previously declined might now have a pathway forward.

End your video by inviting viewers to message you to see if this update could help their situation.

2. Re-Engage Past Leads

Go through your CRM and find leads who were declined solely due to credit score.
Send a personalized text or email like:

“Hey [Name], there’s a new Fannie Mae update that might change your eligibility. Want me to take another look at your file?”

This approach reopens the conversation with warm leads and shows you’re staying on top of evolving lending guidelines.

3. Share the News on Social and Email

Post about it on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook with a short caption summarizing the change. Use a headline like:

“Big news: Fannie Mae just dropped the 620 minimum credit score from DU.”

Include a quick explainer and a clear call to action, “Message me to see if you’re eligible under the new guidelines.”

4. Educate Your Referral Partners

Send a short email or video to your real estate agents summarizing the change and what it might mean for more buyers. Being the first to deliver useful info helps build your credibility with agents who value proactive communication.

Why This Matters for Your Brand

This isn’t just a credit policy update, it’s a visibility opportunity. Borrowers and agents are hungry for clarity when guidelines change, and whoever explains it first wins attention and trust.

As Deven Gillen notes on hovadigital.com, successful loan officers don’t just sell loans, they translate the mortgage world into language their audience understands. This DU update gives you the perfect chance to do exactly that.

Bottom Line

The removal of the 620 minimum from Fannie Mae’s DU system opens doors for more borrowers, and more conversations. Use this moment to re-engage your database, post timely educational content, and position yourself as the go-to mortgage expert who keeps clients informed.

Sources:
FannieMae.com, MortgageNewsDaily.com, HousingWire.com, TheVerge.com, hovadigital.com