542 Credit Score Mortgage

Options for getting a mortgage loan with 542 Credit score

With 542 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 542 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.


542 credit score mortgage

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Private money lenders for credit score 542

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$ 61.01$ 61.11$ 62.78% 50.68%
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 2.95 3 3.73 3.48 3.79
Rate 7.31% 11.23% 12.12% 11.63% 13.32%
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

542 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 542 credit:

  • Northeast Bank
  • 200 Berkeley Street, 17th Floor, Boston, MA, 02116
  • Northeast Bank (NASDAQ: NBN) is a full-service bank headquartered in Portland, Maine. We are both an experienced, balance sheet lender offering speed, certainty of execution and creativity to structure loan originations and acquisitions nationally, and a full-service bank serving customers in Western, Central, and Southern Maine
  • Pillar Mortgage LLC
  • 25 Old Kings Road North, Suite 3A, Palm Coast, FL, 32137
  • "At Pillar Mortgage we pride ourselves in having mortgage loan programs for everyone: from low risk buyers to those with less than perfect credit. Our highly trained loan officers work closely with realtors and their perspective buyers in making the loan process a positive experience for all parties, from start to finish."
  • Integr8tive Solutions Inc
  • 2388 Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, CA, 92627
  • Our mission is to serve our customers with honesty, integrity and competence. Our goal is to provide home loans to our clients while providing them with the lowest interest rates and closing costs possible. Furthermore, we pledge to help borrowers overcome roadblocks that can arise while securing a loan.
  • HL Home Loans
  • 3327 West Beverly Boulevard, Montebello, CA, 90640
  • HL Home Loans offers multiple programs to help home buyers obtain the financing they need. Specializing in FHA loans and VA loans, we are sure to find you the best California mortgage rate available for your specific situation. We offer low to no down payment options and flexible repayment terms such as fixed rate mortgages
  • JD Lending Group Inc.
  • 1412 W Colonial DR, Suite 100, Orlando, FL, 32804
  • JD Lending Group Inc. offers a wide range of mortgage options to meet your financial needs and circumstances. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, buying a second home, or interested in refinancing your mortgage, we're here to guide you through the process. We work with over 25 of the nation's top lenders
  • Chattanooga Federal Employees Credit Union
  • 2011 Stein Drive, Chattanooga, TN, 37421
  • Chattanooga Federal Employees Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution that exists to serve its members. Being a member of the credit union is the smart way to manage your finances. We have a complete line of financial products and services to meet your needs.
  • Miami Mortgage Advisors LLC
  • 201 S Biscayne Blvd Ste 2813, Miami, FL, 33131
  • "Miami Mortgage Advisors is a local brokerage offering you timely attention, a fully online option,that leverages national and privately held lenders to offer the most competitive programs available on the market. Miami Mortgage Advisors has over 20 years of experience specializing in Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and private lending options."
  • Prost Mortgage Group
  • 3699 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY, 41076
  • We have over 37 years of combined experience helping people secure mortgage loans for their homes. Our loan programs include FHA, VA, USDA & more so you can be sure you’re choosing the right type of loan when you work with us. Prost Mortgage Group is a mortgage lender helping you make informed and confident decisions when securing a mortgage loan.