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Another spring, same story. Here's an update to our discussion of What's holding back the housing market?

Another spring, same story. Here's an update to our discussion of What's holding back the housing market?

Bad credit but solid incomes. Can we get a mortgage?

Q: My wife and I both have bad credit, but solid incomes. Will anybody take a chance on us?

A: Just because your credit isn't up to speed doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage or refinance. The FHA program allows for FICO scores as low as 580 -- and you only need to put 3.5% down to buy a home. With scores lower than that, you'll need a 10% stake, but simply having a low score doesn't mean you can't get access to credit -- it simply means that your avenues and choices are more limited.

Ask the expert
Keith Gumbinger
Keith Gumbinger
Mortgage Expert
Vice President, HSH.com
About Keith: Mortgage market observer and analyst with 35 years experience... (more)
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