Trying To Buy A House With Bad Credit May 2026

: Available to veterans and service members. They often have no official minimum credit score (though many lenders prefer 620) and require 0% down .

If your score is still a hurdle, these tactics can help bridge the gap: Buying a house with bad credit - Home loans - U.S. Bank trying to buy a house with bad credit

: Designed for rural and some suburban buyers with low-to-moderate income. These also offer 0% down and flexible credit standards. 2. Strategic Workarounds : Available to veterans and service members

: These are the standard for low-credit buyers. Score 580+ : Requires only a 3.5% down payment . Score 500–579 : Requires a 10% down payment . Bank : Designed for rural and some suburban

: Some 2026 lenders like Guild Mortgage and Sage Home Loans specifically market to these lower brackets.

Government-backed programs are the most common route because they insure lenders against default, allowing for more flexible entry requirements.