If you are a veteran or active service member, VA loans are incredible. They often have no official minimum credit score (though many lenders set their own "overlays" at 580–620) and require $0 down .
If your score is under 580, it is usually better to spend 6 months aggressively repairing your credit before buying. The difference between a 550 and a 620 score can save you hundreds of dollars every single month on your mortgage payment. i wanna buy a house with bad credit
These are backed by the government and are the most common path for credit-challenged buyers. You can often qualify with a score as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. If you have a 10% down payment, some lenders go as low as 500 . If you are a veteran or active service
Lenders often view bad credit as high risk. To offset that risk, they may require a larger down payment (e.g., 10%–20%) even if the loan program technically allows for less. Best Loan Options for Lower Scores The difference between a 550 and a 620
Check your credit report for mistakes. Disputing a single incorrect late payment can sometimes jump your score 20+ points in a month. The "Danger Zone"
Some lenders will look at your history of on-time rent payments as a "compensating factor" to prove you are reliable despite what your credit score says.