For First-time Homebuyers with Bad Credit, is Getting a Mortgage Even Possible?

FHA loans allow first-time homebuyers with bad credit to have a chance at homeownership since the minimum credit requirement is lower than other mortgage options. Another advantage of the FHA loan is that it doesn’t require a huge down payment to get approved. In fact, FHA loans “lend” themselves to being one of the best mortgage types for first-time homebuyers.

Six Advantages to the FHA Loan for First-time Homebuyers with Bad Credit

There are many advantages to FHA financing, even for younger buyers with issues in their credit history.

• Lower down payment requirements
• Approvals for those with no reportable credit or poor/short credit history
• No minimum income required
• Funding available for home repair and home improvements
• No prepayment penalties
• Minimum income not required
• Gift funds allowed for down payment

Small Down Payment

A minimum down payment of only 3.5% is required on FHA loans. On a $130,000 home, you would only be responsible for putting down $4550.

Getting Approved with Bad Credit

When you put down 3.5%, a minimum credit score of 600 is required. However, if your credit score is even lower, you can offset this requirement by making a higher down payment. Sometimes, if you make a 10% down payment, you can be approved with a credit score as low as 600.

No Prepayment Penalties

Sometimes, loans will penalize you for paying off your house sooner than expected. With the FHA loan, that penalty doesn’t exist.

Minimum income not required

With the FHA loan, homeownership is possible for people at any income level.

Using Gifts for a Down Payment

FHA loans also allow for gift funds to be used toward your down payment. The gift needs to come from an eligible donor as defined by the program – typically a blood relative.