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Your starting point

Credit Rebuilders

“I do not think my credit is good enough yet.”

Plenty of buyers start here. Many first-time programs are built for exactly this stage, and a counselor can map a plan before you ever talk to a lender.

Start here

1. See where you stand.Name the facts that matter most.
2. Take a small step.Choose one action you can do now.
3. Build your path.See programs and useful next steps.

Build my plan

What may be getting in the way

A credit score that feels too low to start
Old collections or a thin credit file
Not knowing which programs accept lower scores

What progress can look like

Pulled a full credit report for the first time
Moved from the 500s into the low 600s
Met with a HUD-certified counselor and left with a written plan

Reality check

Typical time to pre-approval: Often 3 to 9 months of steady steps
Most common blocker: Waiting to start until credit is "perfect"
Most helpful next action: Meet a HUD-certified counselor and get a written plan

Your first 90 days

An illustrative starting plan—not personal advice. A counselor can tailor the real one.

30 days

Pull your full credit report (free) and list every open account
Meet a HUD-certified counselor and leave with a written plan
Set every bill to autopay-minimum so nothing new goes late

60 days

Pay down the card closest to its limit first
Dispute any errors on the report in writing
Take a homebuyer education class — it works in parallel with credit repair

90 days

Re-check your score band and re-run your HomeBase plan
Ask your counselor which flexible-credit programs now fit
Start a monthly savings auto-transfer, even a small one

Programs worth knowing

Programs that often fit this situation across MD, DC, VA, and CT — worth reading, never a promise of eligibility.

See matching programs →

Garrett County Habitat for Humanity HomeownershipMD
Applicants who live or work in Garrett County, need improved housing, can repay a mortgage and complete 250 sweat-equity hours per adult may apply to purchase a Habitat home with a 0% 30-year loan.
Virginia Housing Government Home Loans (FHA, VA, and USDA)VA
Virginia Housing offers FHA, VA, and USDA/Rural Housing Service 30-year mortgages, including bond versions that may pair with a Virginia Housing grant.
Webster Bank HOPE ProgramCT
A Webster first-time buyer mortgage for borrowers up to 120% AMI, with reduced-rate options, discounted mortgage insurance, flexible credit, and possible supplemental assistance.
M&T Home Starter MortgageMD, CT
An M&T mortgage in selected Maryland and Connecticut counties with lower down-payment requirements, financing of most closing costs, and no borrower-paid mortgage insurance.

Documents and questions that commonly come up

Documents

Government-issued photo ID
Last 30 days of pay stubs
Last two years of W-2s or tax returns
Last two months of bank statements
Full credit report from all three bureaus
Letters for any disputed items

Questions worth asking

HUD-certified counselor

What score band do I realistically need for the programs that fit me?
Which of my accounts is hurting me most?
How long before it makes sense to talk to a lender?

Lender (when ready)

Do you offer manual underwriting or flexible-credit programs?
What would my rate look like at my current band versus one band up?

Get a second opinion for free

A housing counselor can review your situation and help you choose the next step—at no cost to you.

Find a HUD-certified counselor See programs that accept lower credit