Buying your first home in Montana can be both exciting and daunting. One of the most critical factors in securing a mortgage is your credit score. Different loan programs – from federal loans like FHA or VA to Montana-specific assistance – have varying credit score requirements. Knowing these benchmarks is essential for first-time buyers aiming to qualify for a mortgage with a reasonable interest rate. In this guide, we’ll break down the minimum credit score requirements for major mortgage types (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional) and for Montana Housing programs. We’ll also highlight first-time homebuyer assistance programs (grants, down payment help) available in Montana, provide a comparison table of loan options, and share tips to improve your credit and increase your loan eligibility. Let’s dive in with an expert yet approachable look at what you need to become a homeowner in Big Sky Country.

Why Credit Scores Matter for First-Time Buyers

Your credit score is a numerical summary of your credit history and financial reliability. Lenders use it to gauge the risk of lending you money. For first-time homebuyers, a higher credit score can open doors to lower down payments, better interest rates, and more mortgage options. Conversely, a low score might limit you to specific loan programs or require you to put down more money. Each loan type has its own minimum credit score requirements (or typical guidelines), so understanding these will help you target the right mortgage for your situation. In Montana’s current housing market – where the median home sale price is over $520,000 as of early 2025– taking advantage of the most favorable loan terms is more important than ever. Now, let’s explore each major mortgage option and its credit criteria.

FHA Loans: Flexible Credit Requirements for Low Down Payments

FHA loans (backed by the Federal Housing Administration) are popular with first-time buyers because of their flexible credit and down payment standards. Officially, FHA loans accept FICO credit scores as low as 500 – but the catch is that scores between 500–579 require a 10% down payment. If you have a score of 580 or above, you’re eligible for the FHA’s minimum 3.5% down payment. In other words, 580 is the magic number for the lowest down payment, while 500 is the absolute floor (below 500, you won’t qualify for FHA financing at all). Many lenders impose their own higher cutoff (often 580 or 600+) despite the FHA’s lower allowance, but the program is known for being friendlier to moderate credit scores.

For example, with an FHA loan, a borrower with a 580 credit score could buy a home with just 3.5% down, whereas a borrower with a 540 score would need to put 10% down to qualify. These lenient requirements make FHA a go-to for those with less-than-perfect credit. Keep in mind, though, that Montana Housing (the state’s finance agency) requires a minimum 620 score if you want to combine an FHA loan with one of Montana’s assistance programs. In practice, many first-timers in Montana use FHA loans if their credit is in the fair-to-good range, as it can be more forgiving of past credit issues while still offering competitive rates. Just be prepared for mortgage insurance premiums and possibly taking a homebuyer education course if your credit is on the lower end (Montana Housing mandates homebuyer education for FHA borrowers with scores below 680 when using its programs).

Key FHA credit facts: FHA officially allows scores down to 500 (with 10% down), and 580+ gets you 96.5% financing (only 3.5% down). This flexibility, paired with the ability to use gifted funds for down payments, makes FHA loans very popular among first-time buyers with limited savings or lower credit scores. Just remember that individual lenders and Montana’s first-time buyer programs may set the bar higher (often 600 or 620) for practical approval.

VA Loans: No Official Minimum, But Aim for Fair Credit

VA loans (guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) are an excellent zero-down option for eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses. One big advantage is that the VA does not impose an official minimum credit score for these loans. That means, in theory, you could qualify with a very low score. In practice, however, most VA lenders require a minimum score of around 620 for approval. Lenders use this 620 FICO benchmark as an “overlay” to manage risk, since VA backing doesn’t require lenders to approve every low-credit applicant. Some lenders might go lower (down to 580 for VA in certain cases) if other aspects of your profile are strong, but expect additional scrutiny or manual underwriting in those cases.

The great news for those who do qualify: VA loans offer 100% financing (0% down payment), no monthly mortgage insurance, and often very competitive interest rates. This can make homeownership far more attainable. For first-time VA-eligible buyers in Montana, the Montana Veterans’ Home Loan Program offers an extra perk: VA loans at 1% below market interest rates through a state bond program. Montana’s veterans’ loan program isn’t strictly limited to first-time buyers, but first-timers are encouraged to use it if eligible. While the VA itself has no credit minimum, the Montana Veterans’ Home Loan Program and participating lenders will still expect you to have relatively good credit (often around 640 or above) to take advantage of this program.

Key VA credit facts: There’s no VA-imposed credit score floor, but 620 is a common lender requirementadmortgage.com. Some flexibility exists for lower scores (with strong compensating factors like low debt, sizable savings, or a history of on-time rent payments), and manual underwriting can be used for borderline cases. If you’re a veteran or service member buying in Montana, definitely explore VA loans – you might secure a mortgage with no down payment and favorable terms even if your credit is only “fair.” Just be prepared to shop around for a lender if your score is under 620, and consider utilizing Montana’s special veteran loan program for an even better rate.

USDA Loans: Typically Need Good Credit (Around 640) for Rural Homes

USDA loans (guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) are another zero-down mortgage option, primarily for buyers in rural and semi-rural areas. Much of Montana outside the major cities qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans, making this an attractive program for first-time buyers here. USDA does not set a hard minimum credit score in its guidelines, but like the VA, most lenders have their own standard – usually 640 – for approving USDA applications. The number 640 is significant because the USDA’s automated underwriting system (GUS) typically requires a score of 640 or higher for streamlined approval. If your score is below 640, lenders can still do a manual underwrite of your USDA loan, but you’ll need strong “compensating factors” (such as a low debt-to-income ratio, solid employment, or extra savings) to get the green light. Many lenders also set 620 as a minimum for USDA, similar to other loan types, but may bump it up to 640 to use the automated system efficiently.

In practical terms, a 640+ credit score will give you the best shot at a USDA loan approval and a smoother process. With that, you can purchase with a 0% down payment and enjoy lower mortgage insurance fees than with FHA. If your score is in the low 600s or high 500s, you might still qualify, but expect to provide more documentation and possibly face a higher chance of denial – it’s a bit of a gray zone. USDA loans also come with income limits (you must be under a certain household income threshold), and the property must be in an eligible rural area. Montana first-time buyers often find the USDA appealing because many smaller communities qualify, and it’s effectively the only no-down-payment loan besides VA. Just plan ahead: if you’re below that 640 mark, work on improving your credit (tips later in this post) and talk to a lender who is willing to manually underwrite or consider compensating factors for USDA. Officially, there’s no absolute minimum score for USDA, but most successful USDA borrowers in 2025 have credit in the mid-600s or above.

Key USDA credit facts: No fixed minimum from USDA itself, but most lenders require ~620–640 to approve a USDA mortgage. A 640 score is important for automatic underwriting approvals. With USDA, you get 100% financing, but must meet income and location criteria. If your score isn’t quite there yet, you might need to either improve it or look at FHA as a fallback, since FHA can go lower (with a down payment trade-off) for those purchasing in rural Montana who don’t meet the USDA credit or income rules.

Conventional Loans: Standard Mortgages (620+ Score Recommended)

“Conventional” loans refer to mortgages that are not backed by a government agency (unlike FHA, VA, and USDA). The most common conventional loans are those conforming to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. For a long time, the minimum credit score for a single-family home fixed-rate mortgage has been 620. In other words, if your FICO score is below 620, you typically wouldn’t qualify for a conforming conventional mortgage. At a score of 620 or above, you could potentially get a traditional loan. For first-time buyers, this could be with as little as 3% down (through special programs like Fannie Mae’s HomeReady or Freddie Mac’s Home Possible) or 5% down on standard conventional loans. However, just barely meeting the 620 score threshold may mean you face higher interest rates or additional fees due to risk-based pricing. Generally, conventional loans favor those with good to excellent credit (700+) – higher scores will significantly reduce your rate and mortgage insurance costs compared to the minimum.

Big 2025 update: Fannie Mae has announced that as of November 16, 2025, it is eliminating the hard 620 minimum credit score requirement in its automated underwriting system (Desktop Underwriter). This doesn’t mean anyone with a 500 score can suddenly get a conventional loan; rather, it allows Fannie’s system to consider applicants with sub-620 scores if they have other very strong qualifications (like a large down payment, low debts, ample savings, etc.). Credit scores will still heavily influence the decision, but this change could help a few more borderline borrowers get approved. For now, though, Montana first-time buyers should still aim for at least a 620 to pursue a conventional loan – and realistically, higher is better. If you’re in the mid-600s, you might qualify, but you’ll likely pay more in interest and private mortgage insurance (PMI) than if you improved your score. By the time you reach a 740+ score, you’ll be getting the best rates on conventional financing.

Key Conventional credit facts: 620 has been the standard minimum score for conforming conventional loans. Programs like HomeReady/Home Possible require a 620 credit score and come with just 3% down (and they have income limits to ensure they serve moderate-income buyers). The upcoming Fannie Mae guideline changes in late 2025 may relax things slightly below 620, but in practice, you should treat 620 as the baseline for conventional mortgages. If your score is below that, you’ll likely need to improve it or opt for an FHA/VA/USDA loan. If your score is above 620, consider whether going conventional makes sense – often it does if you’re closer to the 700s, since you can avoid long-term FHA insurance and possibly get a better rate.

Montana Housing Programs and Credit Requirements

Montana offers several state-run programs to help first-time homebuyers, primarily through the Montana Board of Housing (Montana Housing). These programs often work in tandem with the loan types mentioned above (FHA, VA, USDA) and can provide lower interest rates or down payment assistance. It’s important to know that Montana Housing imposes its own credit score requirements in addition to the base loan requirements. Here are the main Montana-specific programs and their credit guidelines:

• Montana Housing Regular Bond Program: This is Montana’s flagship first-time homebuyer mortgage, offering a below-market 30-year fixed rate. To use it, you must be a first-time buyer (not having owned a home in the last 3 years, with some exceptions) and fall under income and purchase price limits. Importantly, you also must qualify for an underlying first mortgage – specifically an FHA, VA, USDA/RD, or HUD-184 loan. The Bond Program itself doesn’t have a separate credit score number, but since it requires one of those loans, you need to meet the credit criteria for FHA/VA/RD (and Montana Housing won’t allow a conventional first mortgage under this program). In practice, that means you’ll need roughly a 620+ score to participate, because Montana Housing and its participating lenders generally expect at least a 620, even if FHA might allow lower. Suppose your credit score is below 680 and your debt-to-income ratios are high (above 31% front-end or 41% back-end). In that case, Montana Housing will require you to complete a homebuyer education course, so they place extra emphasis on preparation for those with lower credit. The Regular Bond Program can be a great deal if you qualify, as it offers interest rates about 0.125% to 0.25% below standard market rates, making homeownership more affordable.
• Montana Housing 80% Combined Program: This innovative program helps buyers avoid mortgage insurance by pairing an 80% first mortgage with a 20% second mortgage from a partner (such as NeighborWorks Montana). Effectively, you finance 100% of the purchase price through two loans: the first is through Montana Housing (at 80% loan-to-value) and the second covers the remaining 20%. The big benefit is no PMI and a lower first mortgage balance. To use the 80% Combined Program, you must meet the same first-time buyer, income, and purchase price limits as the Bond Program. Credit score requirement: 640 minimum. This is a bit higher bar than the regular program because the structure requires “good credit” and manageable debt ratios (Montana Housing caps the front-end DTI at 32% and back-end at 45% for this program). You also need to contribute at least 1% of the purchase price (minimum $1,000) from your own funds. In short, the 80% Combined Program is ideal if you have solid credit (640+), limited cash for a 20% down payment, and want to avoid paying mortgage insurance. Just be aware it’s slightly harder to qualify for due to the higher credit and stricter DTI rules.
• Montana Board of Housing Down Payment Assistance (DPA): Montana Housing offers two main down payment and closing cost assistance loans for first-timers, called the Bond Advantage and MBOH Plus 0% Deferred programs. Both provide up to 5% of the sale price (capped at $15,000) in assistance, and both require a minimum credit score of 620 for all borrowers on the loan. In fact, Montana Housing specifies that applicants must have a FICO score of at least 620 to qualify for DPA assistance, even if the underlying first mortgage (e.g., FHA) might allow a lower score. The Bond Advantage DPA is a 15-year second mortgage with monthly payments (at the same fixed interest rate as your first mortgage). The MBOH Plus DPA is a deferred, 0% interest second mortgage – no monthly payments, but you have to repay the amount when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first loan. Both DPA options require you to put in at least $1,000 of your own money (which can be a gift) toward the purchase. In summary, if you have a credit score of 620 or higher and not much cash for a down payment, these programs can bridge the gap. For example, a Montana first-time buyer with a 620 score might qualify for an FHA loan with 3.5% down, then use Bond Advantage or MBOH Plus to cover the down payment and closing costs – essentially buying a home with just $1,000 out of pocket. Just remember that you must also be using a Montana Housing first mortgage (Bond Program loan) to get the DPA; you can’t use these state assistance loans standalone.
• Montana Veterans’ Home Loan Program: We mentioned this earlier in the VA section, but to recap: this program provides Montana resident veterans with an interest rate 1% below market on their mortgage, using funds from the state’s Coal Tax Trust**. It’s administered by Montana Housing and is aimed at first-time home purchases for vets (you generally can’t have owned a home in the past three years to qualify). Unlike regular bond programs, this program has no income or purchase price limits, which sets it apart. The loan still requires completion of homebuyer education (no exceptions) and a minimum personal investment of $2,500 from the borrower’s funds. While the program is described as a “VA loan” in Montana Housing literature, it is actually funded by the state – so even if it follows VA guidelines (like zero down payment and VA eligibility requirements), the state likely requires a strong credit profile to mitigate risk. Expect that you’ll need a 640+ credit score to take advantage of the Montana Veterans’ Home Loan Program, based on typical lender overlays and state program expectations. This is a fantastic option for eligible veterans, as it combines the no-down benefits of a VA loan with an even lower interest rate. If you’re a Montana vet with decent credit, this program could save you thousands over the life of the loan.

Aside from these, Montana Housing also offers a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) for first-time buyers who may not qualify for the above loans. The MCC is not a loan but a tax credit that lets you claim 20% of your mortgage interest (up to $2,000 per year) as a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal taxes. It requires paying a fee ($500 to the state, plus maybe $250 to your lender), but it can pay off over time. While the MCC doesn’t directly involve credit scores, you have to meet the same income and purchase price limits as the bond program and work with an approved lender to get one. It’s worth considering if you want to improve your affordability via tax savings.

Finally, beyond state programs, remember that some Montana cities and local organizations also offer assistance programs. For instance, the City of Billings First Time Home Buyer Program provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance as a 0% interest, deferred loan (no payments; due when you sell or refinance) for those with certain income limits. And in parts of western Montana (Missoula, Mineral, and Ravalli counties), the Human Resource Council provides down payment assistance of up to $35,000 as a deferred loan to income-eligible buyers. These local programs typically require you to complete homebuyer education and contribute a portion of your own funds. They may also have their own credit guidelines or rely on the first mortgage’s credit requirements. As a first-time buyer, it’s worth asking local housing nonprofits or your city’s community development office about any available grants or loans. Just keep in mind that all these assistance programs will expect you to be financially ready, so a solid credit score (preferably 620 or higher) is usually needed to benefit from them, which aligns with the common thread we’ve seen across Montana’s offerings.

Comparison of Loan Options and Credit Requirements

To help you see the big picture, below is a comparison table summarizing key requirements for major loan types and Montana-specific programs. It outlines the minimum credit score, minimum down payment, and basic eligibility criteria for each:

Mortgage Program	Minimum Credit Score	Minimum Down Payment	Key Eligibility Criteria
FHA Loan (Federal)	500 (with 10% down) 580 (with 3.5% down)	3.5% (if ≥580 score) 10% (if 500–579 score)	Must be primary residence; FHA loan limits apply; mortgage insurance required. Many lenders in practice want 580+.
VA Loan (Federal)	No set minimum (USDA doesn’t impose one) 640+ is typical for most lenders	0% (no down payment)	Must be an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualified spouse with VA entitlement. No mortgage insurance; VA funding fee applies (unless exempt).
USDA Loan (Federal)	Home must be in a USDA-eligible rural area; income must be within program limits; USDA guarantee fee applies. Scores <640 may require manual underwriting and compensating factors.	0% (no down payment)	Must meet conforming loan limits (no more than ~$726,200 in most cases); stronger credit and moderate DTI needed for approval. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required if <20% down (can be canceled later).
Conventional Loan (Conforming)	620 (standard minimum for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) (Fannie removing 620 cutoff in DU after Nov 2025)	3% (for first-time buyer programs) 5% (standard minimum if not first-time)	~620 (Montana Housing requires qualifying for an FHA/VA/RD loan; lenders typically need 620+)
Montana Housing Regular Bond Program	Must be used with a Montana Housing 30-year first mortgage (Regular Bond Program loan); first-time buyer; income limits apply for deferred option; $1,000 minimum borrower contribution; homebuyer education required. Bond Advantage: 15-year repayment loan. MBOH Plus: 0% interest, no monthly payments (due on sale or payoff).	Varies by first mortgage (e.g., 3.5% for FHA, 0% VA/USDA). Montana Housing DPA is available to cover the down payment.	First-time buyer (3-year rule); must fall under state income & purchase price limits; must use FHA, VA, USDA (no conventional loans); homebuyer education required if credit <680 and high DTI. Offers below-market interest rate.
Montana Housing 80% Combined Program	640	1% of purchase price from buyer’s own funds (minimum $1,000); effectively 0% down (80% first mortgage + 20% second loan)	First-time buyer; state income & price limits; second loan from partner covers 20% to avoid PMI; DTI capped at 32/45%; must complete homebuyer education—good credit required due to two-loan structure.
Montana Housing Down Payment Assistance (Bond Advantage & MBOH Plus)	620	N/A – these are secondary loans up to 5% of purchase price (max $15,000) to assist with down payment/closing costs	Montana resident veterans (or active service members) only; first-time home purchase; no income or price cap; must provide $2,500 of their own funds; homebuyer education required for all borrowers. Offers a 1% below-market interest rate on a 30-year loan. Limited funds—first come, first served.
Montana Veterans’ Home Loan Program	~640 (recommended for approval; no official state min given, but program expects strong credit)	0% (works like a VA loan – no down payment required)	Montana resident veterans (or active service members) only; first-time home purchase; no income or price cap; must provide $2,500 of own funds; homebuyer education required for all borrowers. Offers a 1% below-market interest rate on a 30-year loan. Limited funds—first come, first served.

Notes: “Min Credit Score” reflects the lowest score to be eligible; practical lender requirements may be higher. “First-time buyer” generally means no home ownership in the past 3 years. DTI = debt-to-income ratio. FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans are available statewide through various lenders, while Montana Housing programs are accessed via participating lenders and have specific state-driven criteria.

This table gives an overview, but remember that individual lender policies can vary. For instance, one lender might require a 640 for an FHA loan even though FHA allows 580, or a lender might make exceptions for a USDA loan below 640. Always check with your lender on their specific credit score cutoff for each program.

Tips to Improve Your Credit (and Boost Your Home Loan Eligibility)

If your credit score isn’t where it needs to be to qualify for the mortgage or program you want, don’t be discouraged. Credit is not a fixed number – you can take steps, even in a few months, to improve it. Here are some effective tips and tricks to raise your credit score and strengthen your overall loan application:

• Pay all bills on time, every time: Payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score. Set up reminders or automatic payments to avoid any late payments. If you have any past-due accounts, bring them up to date as soon as possible. A consistent recent history of on-time payments will start pushing your score upward.
• Reduce your credit card balances (credit utilization): High balances on revolving credit can significantly drag down your score. Try to pay down existing credit card debt so that you’re using below 30% of your credit limits – and ideally under 10% for the best score boost. For example, if you have a $5,000 limit, keep the balance under $1,500 (30%), or better yet, under $500 (10%). This can often improve your score by several points within a month or two, especially if you pay down balances before the statement closing date (so the lower balance gets reported to the bureaus).
• Avoid opening new credit accounts before buying: Each new credit inquiry and account can temporarily ding your score. In the lead-up to a home purchase, hold off on financing a new car, getting a new credit card, or any other loans unless absolutely necessary. Likewise, don’t co-sign for someone else’s loan. Maintain stability – lenders like to see that you’re not taking on new debt right before a mortgage.
• Check your credit reports and correct any errors: You’re entitled to a free credit report annually from each bureau (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) via AnnualCreditReport.com. Scrutinize these reports for any mistakes – for example, accounts that aren’t yours or incorrectly reported late payments. If you find errors, dispute them with the credit bureau. Removing a derogatory error or fixing an outdated collection can raise your score once corrected. Even small inaccuracies could be dragging you down unfairly.
• Keep old accounts open: Your credit history length also affects your score. If you have older credit card accounts with no annual fee, keep them open and active (use them occasionally for small purchases) rather than closing them. This helps maintain your average account age and your total available credit. Closing an account can’t remove its history, but it can reduce your overall credit limit, worsening utilization.
• Consider a rapid rescore or goodwill adjustments: If you’ve taken actions that should improve your score (like paying off a big balance or resolving an error), ask your lender about a rapid rescore – this is a process where the credit bureaus update your score faster than the normal monthly cycle once given proof of changes. Additionally, if you had a one-time issue (say a single late payment from a year ago), you can sometimes write a goodwill letter to the creditor politely requesting its removal from your report. It doesn’t always work, but if you’re generally a good customer, some creditors will forgive one slip-up, which can bump your score.
• Build positive credit strategically: If you have a “thin” credit file (very few accounts) or past credit challenges, adding positive history can help. Tools like secured credit cards or credit builder loans can establish a track record if used responsibly (keep balances low and pay on time). Also, the VA and other programs allow use of non-traditional credit, like consistent rent and utility payments, to demonstrate creditworthiness – so keep good records of those payments; they could be used to convince a lender if your formal credit score is just under the line.

Improving your credit score might take a bit of time and discipline, but it pays off. Even a 20-30 point increase can be the difference between getting approved or not, or could save you thousands in interest with a better rate. For example, raising your score from a credit tier to the next (say, from 635 to 660) could not only help you qualify for a conventional loan instead of needing FHA, but also reduce your mortgage insurance cost.

Pro tip: While working on your credit, avoid any actions that could rock the boat before closing on your home. This means no new debt, no major purchases, and no credit card cash advances during the mortgage process. Lenders will pull your credit again before closing, and any new loans or big changes could derail your approval. Stay financially “quiet” and stable until you have the keys in hand.

Conclusion

Buying your first home in Montana involves navigating a range of loan options and requirements – and your credit score is a cornerstone of that journey. The good news is that whether your score is excellent, average, or needs some work, there is likely a mortgage solution for you. FHA loans can accommodate lower scores with a higher down payment, VA and USDA loans offer zero-down opportunities if you meet their criteria (with most lenders looking for around 620+ credit), and conventional loans reward those who have built up good credit with the best rates. Here in Montana, the state’s housing programs add extra layers of assistance – from low-interest bond loans to down payment aid – and typically require a 620+ score to ensure borrowers are on a solid financial footing. By understanding these benchmarks and preparing accordingly, you can take advantage of grants, deferred loans, and special rate programs that make homeownership more attainable.

As you prepare to become a homeowner, focus on improving the factors you can control: pay down debt, polish your credit report, and perhaps take a homebuyer education class (many are available online for little or no cost). Montana’s housing counselors and participating lenders can be great resources to guide you through state-specific programs and even help you create a plan to boost your credit. Be proactive – sometimes even a few months of effort can raise your score into the range needed for a better loan. With the right loan choice and maybe a helping hand from a Montana first-time buyer program, you’ll be in a home that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Remember: the journey doesn’t have to be taken alone. Reach out to local experts, leverage the programs designed for buyers like you, and don’t be afraid to compare offers from multiple lenders. You’ll gain confidence that you’re getting the best deal. Buying your first home is a big step, but with solid knowledge of credit score requirements and a game plan to meet them, you’re well on your way to unlocking the front door to your Montana dream home.

Sources: Relevant credit score and program information have been compiled from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines, Veterans Affairs resources, USDA Rural Development guidelines, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac program details, and official Montana Housing program documentation and reputable financial sites.

themortgagereports.com,  admortgage.com,  neighborsbank.com,  yourhome.fanniemae.com, metropolitan.com, commerce.mt.gov, totalmortgage.com, themortgagereports.com. These sources and the Montana Department of Commerce materials ensure the data is up to date as of 2025.