When your credit is low, lenders look for "compensating factors" to balance the risk: How to buy a house with bad credit | Rocket Mortgage
: 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 i have bad credit can i still buy a house
If your credit score is below 620, these programs are often your best path to homeownership: When your credit is low, lenders look for
: 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