Getting a bad-credit mortgage—FICO deems scores below 580 as “poor”—takes more time and effort to find the right loan program from an agreeable lender. However, yes, some home loans can qualify for a low credit score, such as government-backed mortgages and certain lender-specific programs that have generous, easy-to-meet eligibility standards, grants, and other assistance.
We have thoroughly reviewed 30 widely available banks, credit unions, and online companies so we can bring you the best bad-credit mortgage lenders. But before you make a final choice and apply, though, seriously consider improving your credit first and understanding what loan type is best for your circumstances.
Top Mortgage Lenders for Bad Credit 2024
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#1. Rocket Mortgage
When it comes to customised mortgage alternatives and top-notch customer support, Rocket Mortgage stands out among the finest poor credit mortgage lenders. There’s also an affordable housing down payment grant program available to eligible homebuyers.
A few weaknesses of Rocket Mortgage include using the highest minimum credit score possible for an FHA loan, 580, versus others that offer lower scores. The lender also uses traditional credit scoring models rather than alternative credit data, which some of its competitors do.
#2. New American Funding
New American Funding offers several ways for a mortgage applicant with bad credit to get approved. For example, it offers non-qualifying mortgages (non-QMs) to qualify those with higher debt-to-income ratios, lower credit scores, or past bankruptcy.
While New American Funding does post its mortgage rates daily, those appear generally to be for the better-credit borrower. You can’t get so much as an estimate of your rate without giving your name and e-mail address.
#3. Cardinal Financial
Cardinal Financial is a national mortgage lender that offers several home loan options, including loans for low credit scores. In addition to FHA, conventional, jumbo, and VA loans, eligible borrowers can apply for a USDA loan. That’s a 0% down payment program for low—to moderate-income buyers in eligible areas.
Another benefit is Cardinal Financial’s locking period, which can be as long as 90 days. In a real estate market where you may be required to make several different offers before one is accepted, having that safety net of extra time might help you stay within your budget if rates happen to go up.
#4. Fairway Independent Mortgage
Out of all the lenders we looked at, Fairway Independent Mortgage has the best J.D. Power origination customer satisfaction rating (776), which is much higher than the average of 730.
Furthermore, the lender offers affordable housing that may qualify interested applicants for a $7,000 credit grant under the Fairway Community Access program. The program is available in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas, plus the District of Columbia.
#5. BMO Bank
BMO Bank offers a range of home loan programs with low or no down payments. These include FHA and VA loans, Neighborhood Home Loans, Home Possible, and housing finance agency programs, among others.
Some borrowers qualify for grants of up to $13,000 toward their down payment. The government also has some programs for minority borrowers who are purchasing in either a majority-minority census tract or a low—to moderate-income tract in some states.
#6. Carrington Mortgage Services
Carrington Mortgage Services offers many different types of loans, including FHA, VA, and adjustable-rate mortgages, with credit scores as low as 500.
The lender also has the non-QM loan referred to as Carrington Flexible Advantage. It enables home loan options to borrowers in purchases and refinancing; they can borrow money with a bad credit event of a recent bankruptcy, short sale, foreclosure, or late payments. The minimum credit score is 550.
#7. CrossCountry Mortgage
CrossCountry Mortgage’s Bye Bye PMI program cuts into how much you have to pay toward private mortgage insurance on a conventional loan. And since the minimum credit score accepted for such a loan is 620, it might be a cheap way for fair-credit buyers to buy a house. Instead of paying 20% upfront in cash to avoid paying PMI, you can qualify by committing to a 15% down payment.
CrossCountry offers various home purchase mortgages, home refinancing, and streamlined refinances for FHA, VA, and USDA loans. It has superior-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings.
Conclusion
It’s absolutely important to shop around once you are on the hunt for a bad credit home loan. As for how diverse eligibility criteria can be, based on our roundup of lenders, you’ll find that each has its own differences. Some consider alternative credit data, and some allow for potential black marks like previous bankruptcies.
While riskier for the lender, the individual with subprime credit can pay more and even earn the lender more money on top, so it is essential to choose a mortgage lender who matches your credit profile but also to compare the costs.
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