If you’re a first-time homebuyer with bad credit you may be wondering what options you have. The fact is, you’re not alone. First time home buyers have lower credit scores than the average borrower. However, the days of needing a good credit score and a 20% down payment are a thing of the past. Luckily the Federal Housing Administration started offering FHA loans which have low credit and down payment options.
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Compensating Factors for Poor Credit ‍

Mortgage lenders don’t just use your credit history to determine if someone qualifies or not. There are certain compensating factors that can help make up for a poor credit history.
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• High down payment
• Large savings accounts
• High income (low loan-to-value ratio)
• No payment shock (currently paying comparable amount in rent)
• Long employment history
• Possibility for advancement in current company
  
  

Mortgage Options for First-time Homebuyers ‍

Many first time home buyers just don’t have that much in savings to put towards a down payment. Due to the recent economic downturns and unstable job market, many people have had their primary sources of income compromised. As a result, it has had an impact on their credit scores. In this article we discuss those loan options and give advice that will help you as a first time home buyer with bad credit.

1. Find a lender that works with poor credit ‍

Younger first-time homebuyers with bad credit usually have a hard time finding a lender to work it. Nowadays many lenders have increased their minimum credit score requirements because of the 2008 housing crash. However, in 2017 we’re seeing subprime loans make a comeback and are more readily available than they once were. FHA loans are perfect for first-time home buyers, they require a 580 credit score and a low down payment of 3.5%. FHA loans make is much easier for a first time home buyer with bad credit to purchase a house. However, not all lenders will approve borrowers with a 580 credit score, many will require a higher score around 620. There are several lenders that can help you even with poor credit.


2. VA Loans for Veterans with bad credit

‍VA home loans offer many benefits to Veteran first-time home buyers. If you’re a Vet and are interested in a mortgage, you should get more information on how VA loans work and their benefits. These loans include 100% financing and no monthly mortgage insurance premiums. VA loans have low credit score requirements. ‍

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3. FHA loans – The perfect home loan for first-time homebuyers

‍FHA loans are incredibly popular amongst first-time buyers. This is mainly because if you’re a first-time buyer with bad credit you still may qualify for an FHA home loans. FHA Mortgage requirements 580 or higher FICO score 3.5% downpayment (downpayment can be a gift from a relative) Stable employment with at least 2 years at the same company, or in the same line of work Verifiable income. W2’s, Tax Returns, Paycheck stubs and bank accounts will be required No late payments in the past 12 months (exceptions may be considered) Debt-to-Income ratio – 31% Max front-end DTI – 43% Back-end DTI

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4. FHA loans with bad credit or no credit at all ‍

If you’ve never had credit in your own name, your credit may not exist. However, some lenders may be able to help you get an FHA loan with no credit. A lender can use alternative credit lines, like utility bills, phone bills and rent payments to establish positive payment history. You must have a positive payment history for the past 12 months, with NO late payments. Here is what the FHA handbook HUD 4155.1, says about borrowers with no credit. “The lack of a credit history, or the borrower’s decision to not use credit, may not be used as the basis for rejecting the loan application…Some prospective borrowers may not have an established credit history.” Remember that even though the FHA rules do not disqualify a borrower with no credit history, some lenders might. Of course if you have a poor credit rating you will have a higher interest rate.

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5. See if you qualify for down-payment assistance or grants ‍

If you’re a first-time buyer with low-to-moderate income you may qualify for certain housing assistance programs. These programs help with the down-payment and/or closing costs making it easier to become a homeowner. You can for state programs through the HUD website. Your local city and county will also have assistance programs that are available listed on their website. If you do qualify for one of these programs it will make the process of buying a home with poor credit less difficult. You will be required to meet certain guidelines and will have to take a homebuyer education class.

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‍6. Improve your credit score before closing

‍There are ways for most people to improve their credit score quickly. This may be by paying your credit card balances down or disputing inaccurate negative information on your credit report. Also, remember to make all of your payments on time, a 30 day late payment can drop your score significantly.

Ways to Improve Credit Rating Before Applying

• Pay down credit card balances to under 10%
• Remove late payments and collections
• Get added as an authorized user
• Don’t apply for credit

Making sure your credit score is maximized before submitting your house contract will make the home buying process easier and help you get the best interest rate possible. ‍