Lenders look at your "whole financial picture" to offset a low credit score. How to buy a house with bad credit | Rocket Mortgage

Buying a home with bad credit is entirely possible in 2026, though it typically requires a strategic focus on specific government-backed loan programs and "compensating factors" that prove your financial stability despite a lower score. Step 1: Diagnose Your Credit Standing

Access your free weekly credit reports from Equifax , Experian, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Before applying, you must understand exactly what lenders see. "Bad credit" for a mortgage generally falls below , but options exist even for scores as low as 500 .

For veterans/service members. Lenders often set a minimum of 580-620. 640 (typical)

Lenders use government-backed programs to mitigate the risk of lending to those with lower scores. Min. Credit Score Down Payment 580 (or 500) 3.5% (or 10%) Most flexible; scores 500-579 require a 10% down payment. VA Loan No official min.