Buying Your First Home With Bad Credit -

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these are the most common choice for buyers with credit issues.

You may still be eligible but will typically need a 10% down payment . buying your first home with bad credit

Buying your first home with bad credit is a challenging but achievable goal in 2026. While a lower credit score often leads to higher interest rates, several government-backed programs and alternative strategies can help you secure a mortgage even with a score as low as 500. 1. Identify Your Mortgage Options Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these are

If you are a veteran or active-duty service member, Veterans United and other VA-approved lenders offer loans with no down payment and no set minimum credit score, though most lenders prefer at least a 580–620. While a lower credit score often leads to

For homes in qualifying rural or suburban areas, the United States Department of Agriculture offers zero-down-payment loans for low-to-moderate-income buyers, typically requiring a score of at least 640.

You can qualify with a down payment as low as 3.5% .