Can I buy a house with a 580 credit score?
Often, yes. An FHA loan can allow a down payment as low as 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher, and some programs go lower with more money down. Your score also affects your interest rate, so it's worth improving where you can.
Short answer: a 580 credit score doesn't shut the door. FHA loans — backed by the Federal Housing Administration — are built for exactly this situation and generally allow a 3.5% down payment at a 580 score. Below 580, you may still qualify with a larger down payment, and individual lenders can set their own higher minimums on top of FHA's rules.
Here's what I tell my clients: your score doesn't just decide if you qualify — it shapes your interest rate, which affects your monthly payment for years. So even if you qualify today, a few months of paying down balances and making every payment on time can save you real money.
The best first move costs nothing: talk to a good local lender and get a free look at your credit. They'll tell you exactly where you stand and what would move the needle. I'm happy to connect you with lenders I trust — and I'll never rush you toward a number you're not comfortable with.
This answer is general education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Your situation is unique — let's talk through the specifics together.