540 Credit Score Mortgage

Options for getting a mortgage loan with 540 Credit score

With 540 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 540 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.


540 credit score mortgage

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Private money lenders for credit score 540

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$ 60.91$ 61.01$ 62.62% 50.62%
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 2.99 3.02 3.75 3.5 3.81
Rate 7.34% 11.25% 12.14% 11.65% 13.34%
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

540 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 540 credit:

  • Jose Guevara, Nueva Real Estate
  • 8141 E 2nd St, Suite 414, Downey, CA, 90241
  • Hometuity is a mega-team at Nueva RE that was founded by a group of inspiring and innovative individuals who wanted to put an emphasis on agency identity and team presence. We provide an array of complimentary services so that our clients can get the most out of their transaction.
  • Jacksboro National Bank
  • 910 N. Main, Jacksboro, TX, 76458
  • The Jacksboro National Bank was chartered on June 30, 1905 and opened for business July 24, 1905 with initial deposits of $9, 761. We have maintained the philosophy of local independent ownership along with personal dedicated customer service throughout our 100+ years of existence.
  • Journey Home Lending
  • 10200 E. Girard Ave, Suite B321, Denver, CO, 80231
  • Journey Home Lending Our team will provide the highest level of expertise to quickly guide you through the entire process of finding the best home purchase options or refinancing options for your new mortgage. Transparency and Integrity define our work ethic, and we help guide with options so you can make informed decisions
  • ASM Lending
  • 1901 First Avenue, Suite 182, San Diego, CA, 92101
  • ASM Lending helps Californians with their home financing needs. We offer our clients personal, expert guidance and a rapid response throughout the loan process.We offer wholesale rates for both home purchases and Refinances, and we support a wide variety of loan products including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA home loans.
  • Private Lending Investments, Inc.
  • 120 E George Hopper Rd, Suite 200, Burlington, WA, 98233
  • "Private Lending Investments, Inc. is committed to providing the highest level efficient service to both the investor and buyer of our private loans. We take great pride in our level of communication with each client throughout every step of the loan. We specialize in the ability to structure each of the private loans"
  • Seaport Federal Credit Union
  • 5080 McLester Street, Elizabeth, NJ, 07201
  • Seaport Federal Credit Union is a member owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative institution. We are dedicated to providing quality financial products and services, delivered in a professional, courteous and timely manner. Unlike other types of financial institutions, which need to generate profits in order to satisfy stockholders.
  • Gabriel Financial Group Inc
  • 1171 Northland Drive, Suite 100, Mendota Heights, MN, 55120
  • Gabriel Financial Group is committed to helping you find the right mortgage product for your needs. We understand that every borrower is different, and we offer a variety of products to meet your individual requirements. We make the process of securing a mortgage simple and straightforward by offering you the latest in financial tools
  • Paragon Mortgage Services Inc
  • 4600 South Syracuse Street, 9th Floor, Denver, CO, 80237
  • Paragon Mortgage Services, Inc. (NMLS ID#50139) is a Veteran-owned Mortgage Brokerage with Home Lending services, available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Utah. Paragon Mortgage Services, Inc. offers a wide variety of mortgage loan products from over 40 Top Banks and Lenders for Residential and Commercial properties.
  • Equity Zone Mortgage
  • 7811 Laguna Blvd, Suite 110, Elk Grove, CA, 95758
  • The Equity Zone Mortgage Team is committed to providing clients with the highest quality home loans combined with some of the lowest mortgage rates available in all of California. Whether you are a first time home buyer, purchasing your dream home, refinancing an outstanding loan, or consolidating debt.
  • Milan Real Estate Group
  • 1310 Saddle Rack Street, Suite 452, San Jose, CA, 95126
  • "Whether you’re buying or selling a home (or both), your success hinges upon the expert advice and services provided by your real estate agent. Our team is committed to providing our clients with professional services based on our experience, knowledge and skills. We’ve filled this website with tips and resources to help you quickly"
  • Senior Commercial Capital
  • 100 Chesterfield Business Pkwy, 2nd Floor, Chesterfield, MO, 63005
  • We are one of the most resourceful and dedicated team of commercial real estate mortgage professionals in the industry. We are a client-driven commercial real estate finance firm serving borrowers of real estate capital. We offer all types of debt and equity financing for income producing properties.