What counts as a bad credit score, and can you still get a mortgage?

What is a bad credit score, and will you still be able to get a mortgage if you have one? A broker has advice on what you should know if you're looking to buy a home but are worried about your credit.

What is a bad credit score, and will you still be able to get a mortgage if you have one?

Mary Sialtsis, a mortgage broker in Mississauga, Ont., said it's not impossible to make the dream of homeownership a reality, but there are some challenges that come with a poor credit score.

Bad credit scores don't have to crush anyone's dreams of homeownership, but it's important to know the reality of your situation.

Credit scores in Canada range from 300 to 900, with higher scores being considered optimal.

What is considered bad credit varies, but Sialtsis said in an interview with CTV's Your Morning Thursday that – when it comes to mortgages – most lenders are looking for a minimum score of 680.

"Generally anything below 680 is considered bad. The worst, by far, is anything below 600," Sialtsis said.

Consumers can find out their full credit history by requesting it from Equifax or TransUnion, and they can do this once a year for free. The report will provide a full breakdown, she said.