When your credit is low, lenders look for "compensating factors" to balance the risk: How to buy a house with bad credit | Rocket Mortgage
: The most popular choice for low-credit borrowers. You can qualify with a 580 score and just a 3.5% down payment , or a 500 score with a 10% down payment . i have bad credit can i still buy a house
: Aimed at rural and suburban buyers. While there is no official minimum, most lenders look for a 640 score . They offer 0% down payment options for those who meet income eligibility. When your credit is low, lenders look for
If your credit score is below 620, these programs are often your best path to homeownership: While there is no official minimum, most lenders
: As of late 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have moved toward a broader "risk-based" evaluation, meaning a hard 620 cutoff is becoming less common for some lenders. Ways to Strengthen Your Application
Yes, you can absolutely buy a house with bad credit . While many lenders prefer scores above , several government-backed programs specifically cater to borrowers with lower scores, some even accepting scores as low as 500 . Top Mortgage Options for Bad Credit