Buying a home in the South Shore or Greater Boston area is exciting — but if your credit isn’t where you’d like it to be, the process can feel intimidating. Don’t worry — bad credit doesn’t always mean you have to give up on your homeownership dreams. With the right strategies, loan programs, and a little planning, you can still make it happen while improving your credit along the way.
At The Jenkins Group, we’ve guided plenty of buyers through this exact situation. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about buying a home with less-than-perfect credit in Massachusetts.
Why Credit Scores Matter for Homebuyers
Your credit score is a three-digit number (ranging from 300–850) that shows lenders how likely you are to pay back borrowed money on time. The higher your score, the more favorable loan options and interest rates you’ll have.
Here’s why that matters in Greater Boston and the South Shore:
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A higher score could mean thousands saved on interest over the life of your loan.
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A lower score could mean higher monthly payments, or needing a larger down payment.
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Most conventional lenders require at least a 620 score, but government-backed programs like FHA, VA, or USDA loans may allow lower scores.
For example, earlier this year, a borrower with a 620 score in Massachusetts might have paid around 7.89% on a 30-year mortgage. Someone with a 760 score could have secured closer to 7.18% — a difference of about $150 per month on a $400,000 home.
Loan Options for Buyers With Bad Credit
If your score isn’t ideal, don’t panic — there are programs designed to help:
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FHA Loans: May accept scores as low as 500 (with 10% down) or 579 (with 3.5% down).
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VA Loans: Often available with a 620 score (and no down payment for qualified veterans).
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USDA Loans: Can be available with scores starting around 580 for rural areas (some towns on the South Shore qualify!).
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Manual Underwriting: If you have limited credit history but strong rental or utility payment history, some lenders may consider that.
Steps to Improve Your Credit Before (and After) Buying
Even if you can qualify now, improving your credit score could get you better terms — which matters in our competitive South Shore and Greater Boston market.
Here are six practical ways to start boosting your score:
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Make Payments on Time – Even one late payment can drop your score. Set up autopay for peace of mind.
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Pay Down Debt – Keep credit card balances below 30% of your available credit.
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Don’t Close Old Accounts – Your credit history length matters. Keep older accounts open when possible.
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Mix It Up – Having a combination of credit (cards, auto, student loans) can help — but don’t take on unnecessary debt.
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Limit New Credit Applications – Too many inquiries can ding your score. Apply only when necessary.
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Check for Errors – Review reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. Dispute any mistakes.
FAQs We Hear From Buyers in Massachusetts
Can I buy a home with no credit history?
Yes — some lenders use alternative data (like rent or utility payments) to assess your reliability. A co-signer is another option.
How long does it take to improve my score?
It depends on your situation, but even small changes (like paying down balances) can show results in just a few months.
Is it better to wait until my score improves before buying?
It depends on your goals. With home prices continuing to rise in Greater Boston and along the South Shore, sometimes it makes sense to buy now with a loan program that works for your score — while also working on improving your credit for future refinances.
The Bottom Line for South Shore & Greater Boston Buyers
Bad credit doesn’t have to stand between you and your dream home. With the right loan program, smart credit strategies, and expert guidance, homeownership is still within reach.
At The Jenkins Group, we work closely with trusted local lenders who can help you understand your options and even create a personalized plan to boost your credit before you buy.
👉 Thinking about buying a home but worried about your credit? Let’s chat. We’ll connect you with the right resources and walk you through the process step by step.
