If you’re interested in getting involved with real estate investing and need the capital to purchase properties hard money is a great way to get started. Brad Loans has extensive experience in both real estate investing and hard money lending and is proud to offer Phoenix Valley real estate investors the financing they need. It is easy to get started applying for hard money loan and Brad Loans is able to work with clients with bad credit and no credit. We are your source for hard money when traditional banks say no. Read more about Brad Loan’s hard money loan programs or get started fill out our hard money loan application or give us a call to ask questions at 602-999-9499.
In 2025, getting a mortgage with bad credit is still possible, though it typically comes with higher interest rates and stricter terms. Here’s a current overview of what to expect if you’re seeking a bad credit mortgage in 2025:
🔍 What Is a Bad Credit Mortgage?
A bad credit mortgage is a home loan designed for borrowers with low credit scores, often under 620 (though this can vary by lender). These loans compensate for the increased risk with:
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Higher interest rates
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Larger down payment requirements
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More thorough income and asset verification
✅ Who Offers Bad Credit Mortgages in 2025?
Lenders fall into three general categories:
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Traditional Banks: May offer FHA or VA loans for poor-credit borrowers
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Credit Unions: Tend to be more flexible with members
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Specialized Lenders: Focus on subprime or non-qualified mortgages (non-QM loans)
Some notable lenders known for working with bad credit (subject to change, check current terms):
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Brad Loans
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Carrington Mortgage Services
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Angel Oak Home Loans
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Rocket Mortgage (for FHA loans)
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Local credit unions
🏦 Types of Bad Credit Mortgages
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FHA Loans
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Backed by the Federal Housing Administration.
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Minimum credit score: usually 500 (with 10% down), 580+ (with 3.5% down).
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Good for first-time buyers or those with financial setbacks.
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VA Loans (for veterans and active service members)
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No minimum credit score set by VA, but lenders typically prefer 580–620+.
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No down payment required in most cases.
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No private mortgage insurance (PMI).
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Non-QM Loans (Non-Qualified Mortgages)
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For borrowers who don’t meet traditional lending standards.
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May allow low credit scores, alternative income documentation (e.g., bank statements).
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Higher interest rates and fees.
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Subprime Mortgages
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Specifically tailored for borrowers with low credit scores (below 600).
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High rates and risk—should be approached with caution.
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Often used as temporary financing with intent to refinance later.
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Portfolio Loans
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Issued by lenders who keep loans in-house (not sold to investors).
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More flexible underwriting.
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Ideal for unique credit/income situations.
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🏠 Mortgage Options for Bad Credit Borrowers
Loan Type | Minimum Credit Score | Down Payment | Notes |
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FHA Loan | 500 (with 10% down) or 580 (with 3.5% down) | 3.5–10% | Government-backed, flexible guidelines |
VA Loan | Varies, usually 580+ | 0% | For veterans/military; no PMI |
USDA Loan | 640+ (typically) | 0% | Rural housing; income limits apply |
Non-QM Loan | Varies (can go below 500) | 10–30% | Not backed by Fannie/Freddie; higher rates |
Owner Financing | N/A | Negotiable | Direct with seller; risky but flexible |
📉 Current Credit Score Tiers (2025 general guide)
Credit Score Range | Category | Mortgage Availability |
---|---|---|
740+ | Excellent | Best rates |
700–739 | Good | Competitive rates |
640–699 | Fair | Limited options |
580–639 | Poor | FHA, some VA/Non-QM |
<580 | Bad | Harder, but possible |
📉 How to Improve Mortgage Approval Odds
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Increase your credit score before applying (even a few points help)
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Save for a larger down payment
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Pay off debt to improve your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
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Consider a co-signer with good credit
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Provide documentation showing financial stability
📊 Current Trends in 2025
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Higher interest rates compared to previous years due to inflationary pressures.
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Increased lender scrutiny—even alternative lenders require stable income.
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More tech-based lending platforms offer prequalification without hard credit pulls.
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Credit repair & counseling services are often bundled with bad credit mortgage offers.
💡 Tips Before Applying
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Get pre-approved to know your budget
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Check your credit reports for errors (from Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
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Avoid new credit applications in the months before applying
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Work with a mortgage broker who specializes in bad credit cases
✅ Tips to Improve Chances
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Increase Your Down Payment – 10–20% can offset bad credit.
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Work with a Mortgage Broker – They can shop around for flexible lenders.
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Check Your Credit Reports – Fix errors before applying.
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Consider a Co-Signer – May help reduce interest or qualify you.
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Document Income Thoroughly – Lenders want stability.
Get Started Here: Fill out our Hard Money Loan Mortgage Refinancing Application
Hard money loans are not inherently punitive, but they can feel that way if you’re not prepared for their strict terms and high costs.
Here’s a breakdown to clarify:
🔍 What Makes Hard Money Loans Seem Punitive?
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High Interest Rates
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Typically 10%–15% (or more), vs. 6%–8% for conventional loans.
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Monthly payments can be steep, especially on larger loans.
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Large Upfront Fees (Points)
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2 to 5 points (2%–5% of the loan amount) are common.
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These are paid regardless of whether the project succeeds.
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Short Terms
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Usually 6 to 12 months.
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Not paying back in time can lead to default, extensions (with more fees), or foreclosure.
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Aggressive Foreclosure Policies
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Hard money lenders often act quickly if payments are missed.
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Since their focus is on the asset, they’re more willing to take it back.
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No Consumer Protections
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These are business loans, so standard consumer lending laws often don’t apply.
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There’s no “cooling-off” period, and disclosures may be minimal.
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🔧 But They’re Not Meant to Be Punitive
Hard money loans are tools, especially for:
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Real estate investors needing fast funding.
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House flippers with equity but poor credit.
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Bridge loans while refinancing or selling.
They trade cost for speed and flexibility. If used strategically, they can be highly effective.
✅ When They Make Sense
Use Case | Why Hard Money Works |
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Fix-and-flip | Fast closings, rehab draws |
Bridge loan | Quick capital before long-term financing |
Property with bad title | Lenders may work around issues |
Poor credit, strong deal | Focus is on asset, not borrower |
⚠️ When They Can Backfire
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If you overestimate ARV or rehab budget
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If market shifts and you can’t sell/refi
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If you miss payments and trigger default clauses
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If you’re inexperienced and underestimate holding costs
🧠 Bottom Line
Hard money loans are expensive but not evil. They’re not meant for long-term use, and they work best for experienced investors who can handle risk and move fast. Used correctly, they can unlock opportunities; misused, they can cost you your property.
If you’re interested in getting involved with real estate investing and need the capital to purchase properties hard money is a great way to get started. Brad Loans has extensive experience in both real estate investing and hard money lending and is proud to offer Phoenix Valley real estate investors the financing they need. It is easy to get started applying for hard money loan and Brad Loans is able to work with clients with bad credit and no credit. We are your source for hard money when traditional banks say no. Read more about Brad Loan’s hard money loan programs or get started fill out our hard money loan application or give us a call to ask questions at 602-999-9499.