John R. Wood Properties
Lenore Vitale, John R. Wood PropertiesPhone: (239) 370-7030
Email: [email protected]

Borrower options: Home improvement loans with bad credit

by Lenore Vitale 09/18/2023

Person on tablet

A good credit score is a basic requirement for traditional home loans, but can you get home improvement loans with bad credit? Home improvement loans meant specifically for remodeling, renovating or repairing your home have similar financial requirements, but can offer a bit more flexibility. Here are the important things to know:

What credit score is needed for a traditional home improvement loan?

Lenders generally require a minimum credit score of 660-700 to qualify for a home improvement loan. While some approve lower scores, the trade-off is usually a much higher interest rate on the loan.

Can I get a renovation loan with bad credit?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers loans for borrowers with lower credit scores. If you need financing with lower credit, both the FHA 203(k) renovation loan and FHA Title I loan programs are worth investigating.

How can I borrow against my house with bad credit?

To borrow against your house, you need to take out a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). These options use your home as collateral, and allow you to borrow money against the total value. Home equity loans are better for large, one-time projects, while a HELOC is more helpful for funding smaller ongoing projects.

How to build up your credit to get a home improvement loan?

The best ways to build and increase your credit score are to:

  • Enable automatic bill pay to guarantee on-time payments.
  • Avoid "hard checks" on requests for new credit cards or loans.
  • Improve your debt to income ratio.

Unfortunately, improving your credit score won't happen overnight. If you're in need of a time-sensitive renovation, consider these options for obtaining financing - regardless of your credit history.

About the Author
Author

Lenore Vitale

Lenore has been a Collier County resident for over 40 years. She fell in love with Naples and surrounding areas and decided to make the move from Cleveland in December 1981. Lenore has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida where she met her husband of over 25 years. They have two children that attend University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University. She has worked as a Community Service Deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, a Guest Teacher with the Collier County Public Schools, and continues to serve on many committees with the Parent-Teacher Organizations in Naples. Lenore has a true passion for Naples and is excited to put that passion to work for her customers. Whether you need an expert guide in buying a home, or a dedicated leader to sell your property; her love of Naples will always give you piece of mind in your real estate venture.