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Buying a home for the holidays, and hoping for a bargain? Learn the pros and cons of buying a home during the winter months.

Buying a home for the holidays, and hoping for a bargain? Learn the pros and cons of buying a home during the winter months.

How can I get a FHA loan when my credit score is a 581?

A: In theory, you should be able to obtain an FHA-backed mortgage. However, mortgage lenders are so afraid about being asked to buy back failed loans that they have added "overlays" to the minimum requires standards for credit score (and other underwriting criterion). The practical effect is that it is very, very hard to obtain a loan with a score much below 620. You should review your credit history and correct any errors and work hard to get your score up off the bottom before you try to apply for a loan.

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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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