FHA Loan with a 600 Credit Score:
Eligibility: You can qualify for an FHA loan with a credit score of 600-610.
Down Payment: With a credit score between 580 and 619, you can qualify for the minimum down payment requirement of 3.5% of the purchase price.
Loan Amount: The amount you can borrow depends on several factors, including your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income, and the FHA loan limits in your area. FHA loan limits vary by county, and in 2024, the limits range from $498,257 to $1,149,825 for a single-family home, depending on the location. Your loan amount will depend on your ability to qualify based on your financial profile.
USDA Loan with a 600 Credit Score:
Eligibility: USDA loans do not have a minimum credit score. However, most lenders have lender overlays on USDA loans and generally require a minimum credit score 640 to qualify. Some lenders might consider applicants with scores as low as 580. This is less common and might involve stricter underwriting requirements or the need for compensating factors such as a low DTI ratio, a larger down payment, or a stable and strong employment history.
Considerations: Even if you find a lender willing to accept a 600 credit score for a USDA loan, you may face higher interest rates or additional scrutiny during approval.
Minimum Credit Score for FHA Loans:
Lowest Acceptable Score: The FHA typically requires a minimum credit score 580 to qualify for the 3.5% down payment option. However, if your score is between 500 and 579, you may still qualify, but you would need to put down at least 10%.
Loan Amounts and Considerations:
Loan Amount with a 600 Credit Score: The loan amount you can get with a 600 credit score will depend on your income, DTI ratio, and the loan limits in your area. FHA loans are more flexible regarding credit scores, but your borrowing power may be limited compared to borrowers with higher credit scores.
Improving Terms: Improving your credit score to above 620 could provide better loan terms and more options, especially for USDA loans, where a 640 score is more commonly required.
FHA Loan: You can qualify with a 600-610 credit score, typically with a 3.5% down payment.
USDA Loan: This loan generally does not have minimum credit score requirements. However, many lenders require a 640 credit score, and some lenders may consider a score of 580 under certain conditions.
Loan Size: Depends on your financial profile, FHA loan limits in your area, and lender policies.
It’s advisable to consult multiple lenders to understand your options, as lender requirements vary, especially for USDA loans with a credit score of around 600.