| This article was reviewed by David Naimey, a loan officer at Society Mortgage. |
Thinking about buying a home but worried your "bad" credit score might hold you back? The three major credit bureaus might label your credit as "poor" or "subprime" if your score sits at 580 or lower. But buying a home may not be out of reach.
Before you start house hunting, check your credit report. Credit reporting agencies generate and maintain a credit score for you, which is crucial for getting a mortgage loan. It shows you exactly what lenders are seeing and what you need to fix to boost your credit scores. Just a small bump in your credit score could mean the difference between rejection and approval.
Next, research mortgage lenders that provide options for those with less-than-perfect credit.
It's also smart to connect with a specialized buyer's agent who works with clients who have low credit scores. They'll provide expert guidance and strategies to improve your chances of mortgage approval, even with credit challenges. You can connect with a top local agent here.
What do lenders consider a 'bad' credit score?
| Excellent | 800–850 |
| Very Good | 740–799 |
| Good | 670–739 |
| Fair | 580–669 |
| Poor | 300–579 |
Your credit score is considered "poor" or "subprime" if it dips below 580. If your score sits in the 580 to 669 range, the credit bureaus would call that "fair." That's a fancy way of saying lenders might view these borrowers as a gamble, but less risky than those with "poor" credit.
A credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850 and is issued by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. A FICO score is a method of calculating your credit score. It was developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) and takes into account your payment history, accounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix.
Lenders take a close look at your FICO score on your mortgage application, considering the middle of your three credit bureau scores, according to David Naimey, a loan officer at Society Mortgage. The FICO score gives lenders a good idea of how you've handled money in the past, but it's not always accurate. Understanding your credit score is crucial when looking to buy a house, as it affects your mortgage options and rates.
A low credit score is the reason for about 25% of all mortgage application denials. Even if you're making good money or can put down a large down payment, lenders might still reject your application.
"Credit is the first thing we look at, and the score determines if we proceed with moving forward and obtaining income documents," says Makenzie Wall, a loan officer at Society Mortgage. "The items on the credit report, like any late payments, foreclosures, and bankruptcies, also play a role."
Understanding credit scores
Credit scores are a three-digit number that represents an individual’s creditworthiness, ranging from 300 to 850. Higher scores indicate better credit, which can help you qualify for better loan terms and lower interest rates. Credit scores are calculated based on several factors, including payment history, credit utilization, credit age, and new credit.
Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, making it the most significant factor. This includes whether you’ve paid your bills on time. Credit utilization, which is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your credit limits, accounts for 30%. Keeping your credit utilization low can positively impact your score.
Credit age, or the length of your credit history, makes up 15% of your score. The longer your credit history, the better. New credit, which includes recent credit inquiries and new accounts, accounts for 10%. Too many hard inquiries in a short period can lower your score.
It’s essential to monitor your credit report and score regularly to ensure accuracy and detect any potential issues. By understanding these factors, you can take steps to improve your credit score and increase your chances of qualifying for a mortgage loan.
Home loan options for borrowers with low credit scores
| Loan type | Credit score minimum |
|---|---|
| VA | *None |
| FHA | 500 |
| Conventional | 620 |
The median credit score for new mortgages is a lofty 770, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.[1] This number might seem discouraging if your credit score isn't that high. But several mortgage options could be within your reach.
Conventional loans. The conventional loan route typically favors borrowers with good credit (scores starting at 670). But the technical minimum is 620. That's right in the “fair” credit zone, according to Equifax.[2] So a conventional loan might not be as out of reach as you think.
Government-backed loans can be a good option for borrowers who are struggling to qualify for conventional loans. A higher credit sore typically results in a lower interest rate, making it crucial for borrowers to understand how their credit status can affect loan options and overall affordability. These loans are insured or guaranteed by the federal government, which reduces the risk for lenders, so they often have more lenient credit score requirements and lower down payment options.
VA loans. For veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses, a VA loan is particularly appealing because the Veterans Administration doesn't set a minimum credit score. While lenders often look for scores around 620, the absence of a VA-mandated minimum may open doors for many who have served our country. Additionally, VA loans offer benefits such as no down payment and competitive interest rates, making them an excellent option for those who are eligible.
FHA loans. First-time home buyers, or those lacking a robust credit history, might find an option in FHA loans. The Federal Housing Administration allows for scores as low as 500 if you can make a larger down payment (10% or more). And it's not just about the score: If you have a steady income and manageable debts, you're in a good position to qualify.
Bad credit? What to do before applying for a mortgage
1. Check for errors on your credit report
Start by getting your credit report from all three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
It's not uncommon to find mistakes, and these can unfairly lower your score. From late payments that were actually made on time to debts that aren't even yours, the errors can be significant.
If you spot any inaccuracies, contact the credit bureaus and the creditor immediately to dispute them. Resolving these issues can help ensure that your credit score accurately reflects your financial history.
» Learn how to dispute an error on your credit report.
2. Pay down debts
Your FICO score is heavily influenced by how you handle your credit cards, student loans, car loans, and other debts. Your payment history and amounts owed are the most significant factors in your FICO score.
Focus on paying down credit card balances first to boost your credit score by increasing your available credit, which lowers your credit utilization ratio. Then, focus on paying off any medical collections, says David Naimey, a loan officer at Society Mortgage.
You also can consider setting up automatic payments for your debts to keep yourself on track and prevent missed payments, which hurt your credit.
If you're overwhelmed by high-interest debt, the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA) can offer assistance. The FCAA helps consumers reduce their interest rates significantly through debt management plans, leading to big savings over time.
3. Budget for your down payment
A large down payment can help you secure a mortgage, especially if you have less-than-perfect credit. Additionally, a down payment of 20% or more can help you avoid the cost of mortgage insurance, reducing your monthly mortgage payments. You'll need to budget carefully to fund the down payment, closing costs, and other home-buying costs.
Assess your finances to determine how big a down payment you can afford on your home purchase. Free budgeting tools, like You Need a Budget or Empower's Personal Capital, can help you track your income and expenses and create a savings goal.
You can also research down payment assistance programs or grants that could provide the financial boost needed to transition from prospective buyer to homeowner.
4. Take a homebuyer education course
Consider taking a home buyer education course through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or Fannie Mae.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer first-time home buyer programs requiring the borrower to complete a home buyer education course, says Jeremy Szozda, a loan officer at Society Mortgage. "This ensures that first-time home buyers have as much information as possible and do not get taken advantage of during the loan process."
These courses offer valuable insights into the home-buying process, can help you plan financially for the purchase, and may even provide completion certificates that can be helpful when dealing with lenders.
5. Get a co-signer
Teaming up with a co-signer could be a smart move to strengthen your mortgage application and boost your approval chances. A co-signer with a stronger credit score can be your ally, providing lenders with the assurance they need to approve your loan.
Having a co-signer means someone else is responsible for the mortgage alongside you. Should you face any financial difficulties that prevent you from making payments, your co-signer will need to step in.
Co-signing a mortgage is a big commitment. It's best to only choose a co-signer you have confidence in and who has the financial capability to assume this responsibility.
How credit repair works
Credit repair is the process of improving your credit score by addressing errors or negative marks on your credit report. While it can be time-consuming and complex, credit repair is essential for borrowers with bad credit who want to qualify for a mortgage loan.
There are several steps you can take to repair your credit, including checking your credit report for errors, disputing negative marks, paying down debt, and avoiding new credit inquiries. By addressing these issues, you can improve your credit score and increase your chances of qualifying for a mortgage loan.
However, credit repair is not a quick fix, and it may take several months or even years to see significant improvements. It’s essential to be patient and persistent when repairing your credit. You can also work with a credit repair company or a financial advisor to help you navigate the process.
Credit repair can be a valuable investment in your financial future, helping you achieve your goal of buying a house with bad credit. By taking the necessary steps to improve your credit score, you can increase your chances of securing a mortgage loan and achieving homeownership.
Buying a house with bad credit may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and resources, it’s entirely possible. By understanding your credit score, exploring government-backed loan options, and taking steps to repair your credit, you can improve your chances of qualifying for a mortgage loan.
Ready to make your home-buying dreams a reality? The first step is to find a top local realtor who's an expert negotiator with proven experience in your market.
Enter your zip code below to compare the best agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams, Berkshire Hathaway, and Coldwell Banker, then choose the best fit for you. It's 100% free and there's no obligation.
