In 2024, over 29% of homebuyers chose FHA loans to buy their homes because they accept credit scores as low as 580. Additionally, VA and USDA loans, with their low credit score requirements, provide even more opportunities to own a home in the Coal State.
Houzeo, Pennsylvania’s best home-buying website, helps you find an affordable home with ease. You can browse Pennsylvania listings within your budget, calculate your mortgage, and submit offers online. It’s a faster, easier way to buy a home—even with bad credit.
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Can You Get a Mortgage With Bad Credit in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can get a mortgage with bad credit in Pennsylvania.
A credit score below 580 is considered a poor score. It reflects a history of high debt and missed payments. However, government-backed mortgages have lenient criteria. Pennsylvania also offers specialized programs to help bad-credit buyers achieve homeownership.
5 Steps to Buy a House With Bad Credit in Pennsylvania
16% of Americans have a poor credit score. If you fall into this category, here’s how you can still buy your dream home:
Step 1: Review Your Credit Score
Before you buy a house in Pennsylvania, check your credit report for errors and negative marks that could affect your credit score. If you find mistakes on your credit report, you can dispute them directly with the credit bureau.
Step 2: Look for Mortgage Options With Bad Credit
Here’s a list of loans and their requirements:
- Conventional Loans: The minimum credit score required for conventional loans is 620 for Fannie Mae and 660 for Freddie Mac. However, a 3% down payment is mandatory.
- FHA Loans: With FHA loans, you can buy a house with a credit score as low as 500 with a 10% down payment. If your score is 580 or above, you can put 3.5% down. However, you can only use FHA loans to purchase a primary residence.
- VA Loans: VA loans are ideal for active-duty military and their spouses in Pennsylvania, home to 700,000 veterans. While VA loans have no strict credit score requirement, most lenders prefer a minimum score of 620.
- USDA Loans: The US Department of Agriculture offers USDA loans to encourage homeownership in rural areas like Monroe County, Centre County and Mifflin County. While the loans don’t have a minimum credit score, lenders prefer a score of 620 or above.
Step 3: Consider Subprime Lenders
Subprime lenders, like the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), offer mortgages tailored for people with bad credit in Pennsylvania. They evaluate factors such as your employment history, income, and ability to pay down, rather than relying solely on credit scores.
These lenders also provide flexible loan terms and accept a higher debt-to-income ratio, often 50% or more for subprime mortgages. However, DTI requirements can vary by lender and loan type, which makes it easier for you to secure financing.
Step 4: Save for a Larger Down Payment
For traditional mortgages in Pennsylvania, the minimum down payment typically ranges from 3% to 20%. However, if you have a bad credit score, a minimum of 10% is usually required.
In the Pennsylvania real estate market, a larger down payment can improve your chances of securing a loan. Lenders also view this as a sign of financial responsibility.
Step 5: Get Pre-Approved
For first-time home buyers in Pennsylvania, a mortgage preapproval is important, especially for those with bad credit scores. It informs you about your mortgage interest rate and monthly payments, and helps you manage your finances better.
How to Get Pennsylvania Loans With Bad Credit?
It can be challenging to get a home loans for bad credit in Pennsylvania. But it’s possible if you have the right approach:
- Pay Off Existing Debt: Before you buy a house in Pennsylvania with bad credit, you should pay back the money you already owe. Pennsylvania lenders often consider a manageable debt-to-income ratio below 36% as a sign of financial stability.
- Budget Wisely: Factor the cost of living in Pennsylvania into your home-buying budget. This includes utilities, insurance, property taxes, and transportation costs.
- Get a Co-Signed Mortgage: Look for a co-signer with a strong credit score to strengthen your loan application. This person will be responsible for paying back the co-signed mortgage if you default on payments.
- Explore Pennsylvania-Specific Programs: Pennsylvania offers programs like the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to help buyers with bad credit. It assists low-to-moderate-income residents with lenient credit requirements.
- Understand the Mortgage Application Process: You must be well-versed with the Pennsylvania’s mortgage requirements, including state disclosures and lender criteria. Prepare documents like income proof and credit explanations to strengthen your application with PA lenders.
Can I Get a Mortgage With Bad Credit?
Yes! You can get loans for bad credit in Pennsylvania. There are various options available for buyers in this situation. FHA loans need a minimum credit score of 500 with a 10% down payment, while VA loans for veterans have no strict credit score requirements.
Apart from that, lenders also assess more than just your credit score; they also consider your income, savings, and overall financial situation. So, don’t wait! Make your dream of homeownership in Pennsylvania come true today!
