Regardless of bad credit, you can get approved for a mortgage loan. Credit ratings vary person-to-person. A high credit rating will make you a good candidate for a prime mortgage. On the other hand, if your score falls below a traditional lender's minimum requirement, you must choose a subprime mortgage loan.

How Credit Rating Affects Loan Approval

Mortgage lenders are more eager to approve a loan application if your credit rating is high. Individuals with high credit scores are less likely to jeopardize their rating. Thus, late mortgage payments and foreclosures are low among this group.

Those with a low credit rating may pay more for their mortgage. This includes higher finance fees, which increases mortgage payments. Each lender has different criteria for determining high credit and low credit ratings.

Traditional lenders are very strict when it comes to mortgage loans. Some lenders establish high credit score minimums, which disqualifies many homebuyers. When selecting a mortgage loan, it is essential to choose a lender that specializes in loans for your credit category.

What Does a Bad Credit Rating Mean?

Lenders use different wording to term bad credit ratings. Some simply refer to these applicants as having a low or negative rating, whereas others assign alphabet letters. In this case, those who qualify for prime rates have A-credit and B-credit. Meanwhile, individuals with a lower score have C-credit or D-credit.

Individuals with C-credit or D-credit will pay a higher interest rate for their mortgage. This is because those in this category have more credit problems. Homebuyers with C-credit have up to six 30-day late payments, three 60-day late payments, open collection accounts, and bankruptcy or foreclosure within the last twelve months.

Sadly, some homebuyers have credit situations that place them in a different category. The lowest credit category is D-credit. This groups includes homebuyers with charge-offs, judgments, open collection accounts, and bankruptcy or foreclosure within the last 6 months.

Getting Approved for a Mortgage Loan with Low Credit Rating

Although many lenders offer subprime loans to those with C or D credit, it may be favorable to defer buying a home until credit improves. This opens the door for better rates, and lower mortgage payments. If deciding to buy a home with bad credit, shop around and compare mortgage quotes. By doing so, you can review many financing options before choosing a lender.