If you are a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible surviving spouse, VA loans often have no minimum credit score requirement (though individual lenders may set their own "overlays," usually around 580–620). They also require $0 down payment .
Mortgage lending is all about risk. If you have poor credit but a large amount of cash, you can offset the lender’s risk by putting more money down. A down payment of 20% or more shows the lender you are deeply invested in the property and reduces the total amount they have to "gamble" on your credit. 5. Consider Seller Financing
The federal government insures certain loans to encourage lenders to work with "higher-risk" borrowers. These are often the best starting point:
Most modern mortgage approvals are handled by automated systems. If your credit is low due to a specific past event (like medical debt) but your current finances are stable, ask for . A human underwriter will look at your "nontraditional" credit history—such as on-time rent, utility, and phone bill payments—to determine your creditworthiness. 4. Increase Your Down Payment
