Let’s be real—buying a house with bad credit isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. In fact, many buyers with credit scores in the 500s have successfully closed on homes with the right strategy.

Here’s how you can turn things around and get approved—even with low credit:

1. Know Your Credit Score

Start by checking your score from all three bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Knowing where you stand will help you target the right loan programs.

👉 You’re not out of the game with a score in the 500s—but the higher, the better.

2. Fix Errors on Your Credit Report

Dispute any inaccuracies you find on your credit report. Errors can drag your score down unnecessarily and correcting them may boost your credit fast.

3. Save for a Bigger Down Payment

The more money you can put down, the less risky you appear to lenders. Aim for at least 10-20% if you have credit challenges. Some lenders may approve you with less, but a bigger down payment strengthens your case.

4. Look into FHA Loans

FHA loans are backed by the government and designed for buyers with low to moderate credit scores. Some lenders accept scores as low as 580, and even 500 with a larger down payment.

5. Get Pre-Approved by a Flexible Lender

Not all lenders are the same. Some specialize in working with buyers with imperfect credit. We work closely with lenders who understand that bad credit doesn’t define you.

6. Work with the Right Real Estate Team

You don’t have to figure this out alone. A great real estate team can connect you with the right loan officers, help negotiate with sellers, and guide you through every step of the homebuying journey.

You Can Buy a Home—Even with Bad Credit

At The Galluzzo Team, we’ve helped buyers from all backgrounds become homeowners—even when the odds felt stacked against them.

Let’s talk about your options.
Call us today at 631-774-3333 and we’ll help you build a custom plan to get into your new home—no judgment, just real solutions.