: Pay down credit card balances to below 30% of your total limit; this can sometimes boost a score by 30+ points in a single billing cycle.

If your score is on the borderline, lenders look for "compensating factors" to offset the perceived risk.

Benefits include and no monthly mortgage insurance.

The USDA does not set a hard minimum, but most lenders require a for automated approval. Strategies to Qualify

Offers non-QM loans for those with past foreclosures or bankruptcies. 580 (FHA/VA) Provides specific grants for very low-income buyers. Freedom Mortgage 550 (FHA) Specialized in flexible FHA and VA products. Credit Requirements for FHA Loans

: Obtain free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com to identify and contest inaccuracies.

: Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture , these target eligible rural areas with 0% down payment .