It’s true that you might find it harder to get a mortgage with a poor credit history, but your credit score does not need to be perfect by any stretch of the imagination. The severity of your credit issues (along with how recent they are) will determine whether or not you’re able to secure a mortgage. Credit score/rating is absolutely a factor that determines whether you may be approved for a loan (and will also affect the interest rate you’re offered) but a perfect, high-scoring credit rating isn’t necessary.