538 Credit Score Mortgage

Options for getting a mortgage loan with 538 Credit score

With 538 credit score, you have several options for a mortgage. Purchase or refinance through FHA or financing by private money lenders, aka hard money lenders. To obtain a HUD FHA loan, you must have at least 10% down and compensating factors such as low DTI (Debt to Income ratio), stable income, and reserves.

FHA, Fannie-Freddie, VA, USDA and Subprime, Non-QM loans

With poor credit of 538 you are not eligible for Conventional (Fannie- Freddie) loans, Va, or USDA. To find out if you are qualified for an FHA loan, explore https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing . You may be able to get a Subprime loan with LTV under 65%. Find out wht loan you qualify for with our FHA /Subprime eligibility calculator If your credit score is 580 or higher, you may need only a 3.5% down payment.


538 credit score mortgage

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Private money lenders for credit score 538

Despite having a low credit score, Private investors will refinance your mortgage as long as you have enough equity in the property or you put in a large down payment.

Owner-Occupied Residential FHA Owner-Occupied Residential Hard Money Non-Owner-Occupied Residential Commercial Vacant Land
Max Loan to Value 90$ 60.81$ 60.91$ 62.46% 50.56%
Programs FHA Hard Money Hard Money Hard Money Hard Money
Vesting Natural name Natural, Corporation, LLC Natural, Corporation, LLC Natural, Corporation, LLC Natural, Corporation, LLC
Tax Returns 2 years tax- Must documents showing ATR Alt documents or equity-only loans Alt documents or equity-only loans Alt documents or equity-only loans
Points 3.03 3.04 3.77 3.52 3.83
Rate 7.36% 11.27% 12.16% 11.67% 13.36%
Loan terms 30 years or 15 years 1—5 years 1—5 years 1-7 years 1-3 years
Property Condition Good condition Any Any include Fixer-Upper Any Unentitled land reduce LTV to 29.23

The Rates & Terms depend on the Loan-to-Value, credit, property location, condition, and local real estate market condition. Unlike the FHA loan, which has standard underwriting, private money loan programs differ significantly between lenders. It behooves you to contact and get quotes from at least three lenders before you make a decision. See a list of potential hard money lenders or use the Lendersa form to shop for your loan simultaneously with hundreds of private money lenders.

How mortgage brokers rip you off

538 is a low score; unfortunately, a small percentage of mortgage brokers could take advantage of your credit disadvantage by trying to charge you an arm and a leg. Therefore, it would be best if you compared 3-10 lenders' programs before deciding on the best lender, thus avoiding mortgage brokers' rip-offs and loan sharks.

Improve your credit score for mortgage

Credit scores of 625 or above will open the door for more loan programs and better rates & terms. If you are not rushing to refinance or purchase a property, consider raising your credit score before attempting a loan review. Check our recommended resources to improve your credit at the bottom of the page Improving your credit score will enhance your chances for better loans. Understanding how credit scores work is the first step to raising your credit.

Here are a few links to resources that could raise your credit score: https://www.usa.gov/credit-reports https://www.fanniemae.com/crediteducation https://myhome.freddiemac.com/refinancing


List of lenders who consider lending to borrowers with 538 credit:

  • BECU
  • 12770 Gateway Drive S, Tukwila, WA, 98168
  • As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, BECU is guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” In fact, putting people over profit guides our everyday business decisions. Unlike many financial institutions, we aren’t owned privately. As a cooperative, we are owned by our members.
  • J7 Mortgage
  • 340 E Clark Ave, Orcutt, CA, 93455
  • J7 came to the Central Coast with Ryan Jensen in 2020. Ryan was brought up by the founder of Utah Mortgage Loan Corporation - the oldest non-bank mortgage lender in the state of Utah - to expand the offering the full array of mortgage products available in the California's Central Coast marketplace today.
  • LoanSnap Holdings Inc.
  • 3070 Bristol Street, Suite 200, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
  • LoanSnap invented the world’s first smart loan technology that uses AI and machine learning to analyze a person’s entire financial picture, and shows them how to benefit with a smart home loan. With LoanSnap, people can stop losing money to lenders who only focus on interest rates and feel confident their home loan is the best option
  • First Financial Northwest Bank
  • 201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, WA, 98057
  • Since 1923, we have built our reputation as a provider of financial solutions, a concierge of professional connections, and a partner in community service. First Financial Northwest Bank - providing personalized service that drives us to deliver Unique, Innovative financial solutions across 15 branches in King, Snohomish and Pierce County.
  • SouthEast Bank
  • 12700 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37934
  • SouthEast Bank has become a premiere financial institution in Tennessee by delivering exceptional quality service, & innovative Banking products to its clients. Our experienced staff diligently serves our communities with integrity and a sense of pride by offering exceptional service & value to not only our customers, but the community as a whole.
  • Indigo Mountain Mortgage LLC
  • 4210 Wadsworth Blvd, Suite 302, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80034
  • Indigo Mountain Mortgage considers itself fortunate to offer a full range of loan products, including Jumbo Loans and Low Documentation Loans for people who are successful self-employed borrowers, FHA Loans, VA Loans, Conventional Loans, and Private money sources and Mountain Mortgage. Local expertise and broad real estate experience.
  • Interest Smart Home Loans
  • 23172 Plaza Pointe Dr, Suite 155, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653
  • Interest Smart Home Loans was established in January 2014 by Jared Hart. Jared and his team set out to create a mortgage company that was built on a foundation of trust, integrity and honesty. We strive to treat our clients and our employees with the utmost respect that they deserve.
  • The First National Bank of Groton
  • 161 Main Street, Groton, NY, 13073
  • The First National Bank of Groton has been proudly serving the area communities for over 150 years. The Bank is customer driven. Its very existence is based on customers finding value in the products and services being offered. The Bank prides itself on offering a superior level of personalized customer service.
  • Prime Mortgage LLC
  • 550 S Mesa Hills Dr, Suite A-1, El Paso, TX, 79912
  • Prime Mortgage LLC has a variety of mortgage loan products. FHA, VA, Conventional, Texas Vet,USDA. We also specialize in private mortgage loans. These mortgage loans we fund directly from our office and can assist the "harder" to qualify borrower. Ramsey Esper President of Prime Mortgage LLC.