You can always do a hard money loan but the rate will usually be twice the market rate and that is a temporary solution you will need to refinance out of shortly after.
Getting a mortgage with challenged credit is possible but requires targeting the right loan programs and working with a lender experienced in that space.
In Florida, FHA loans are the most accessible path for buyers with lower credit scores. FHA allows scores as low as 580 for 3.5 percent down, or 500 to 579 for 10 percent down, though individual lenders may impose higher minimums (called overlays) above FHA minimums. If your score is below 580, your options narrow significantly. USDA rural development loans also have flexible credit standards and are available in eligible rural areas of Hernando County and Citrus County with zero down payment. VA loans, available to eligible veterans, have no official minimum score set by the VA but most lenders require 580 to 620.
The practical steps: pull your free credit reports from all three bureaus at annualcreditreport.com and look for any errors, outdated negative items, or collections that could be disputed or resolved. Even a 20 to 40 point improvement in your score can move you into a better rate tier or unlock better programs. A HUD-approved housing counselor in Florida can walk you through a credit improvement plan at no cost. Do not apply with multiple lenders simultaneously before you know your score, because hard inquiries in quick succession can lower your score further. Get a clear picture of where you stand first, then approach one or two lenders who specialize in credit-challenged borrowers.
A few months of targeted credit work before you apply can meaningfully expand your loan options.
Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells
Three weeks is tight, so you need to move fast and be realistic.
With bad credit, your main options are FHA lenders, local credit unions, or non-QM lenders. FHA is usually the most forgiving, but you’ll likely need at least around a 580 score. Below that gets much harder.
Call a few lenders today and be upfront about your timeline and credit. Ask if they can do a rush refinance or assumption if your current loan allows it. An assumption can be faster if the loan qualifies.
Have your documents ready. Income, bank statements, ID, and anything tied to the current mortgage.
Also talk to a real estate attorney. If your ex is pushing to sell, you may be able to buy time legally while you secure financing.
If a traditional loan won’t work in time, you can look at a private or hard money loan as a short-term solution, then refinance later once your credit improves.
Don’t wait on this. Call lenders and an attorney today.
Three weeks is extremely tight for a traditional mortgage refinance but here are the fastest paths available to you.
FHA loans are the most accessible option with bad credit, going down to 580 and sometimes lower with certain lenders. Call multiple lenders today, not just one, and tell each of them specifically that you have a three week timeline and need to refinance into your name. Some lenders can move faster than others and being upfront about urgency helps.
Non-QM or hard money lenders are another option if traditional financing falls through. These lenders have more flexible credit requirements but charge higher rates. It is not ideal long term but it can get the title into your name while you stabilize and refinance into a better loan later.
Given the legal situation with your ex and the timeline pressure, contact a real estate attorney today as well. There may be legal options to delay a forced sale while you get financing in place, especially if there are ownership and title complications involved. Do not wait on that call.
Where you can get a mortgage with bad credit really depends on how bad your credit is — because that determines your options.
If your credit is fair to okay (around 580+), you may qualify for an FHA loan, which is one of the most common options for buyers with lower credit. These can allow as little as 3.5% down.
If your credit is lower (500–579), FHA may still be an option, but you’ll likely need closer to 10% down.
If your credit is very low or there are major issues, you may need to look at non-traditional or hard money loans — but those usually come with much higher rates and fees.
Given your situation (needing to refinance or buy quickly), timeline is just as important as credit. Some loan programs take longer and have stricter requirements.
My advice:
Find out your actual credit score first (don’t guess)
Talk to a lender or mortgage broker ASAP who can look at your full picture
Have them map out your fastest and most realistic option
Every situation is different, especially with something time-sensitive like this, so having the right team guide you is key.
With bad credit and a 3-week deadline, contact multiple mortgage lenders immediately and get pre-approved. FHA loans are commonly used for lower credit scores, with a 580 minimum for 3.5% down and 500–579 requiring 10% down. Conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac don’t have a strict minimum score in guidelines, but most lenders still look for around 620+ in practice due to overlays. Shop banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers, brokers often have more flexibility since they can access multiple lenders, while banks follow their own guidelines. A 3-week closing timeline is very tight and will require full documentation, income verification, and an appraisal. If qualifying is difficult, consider adding a co-borrower or requesting more time. Acting quickly and comparing lenders is critical.
You should consult with a reputable local lender to discuss your options. Your ability to get a mortgage will depend on so many factors, not just one credit score. You may also want to consult your divorce attorney because it sounds like you may need to purchase your ex-husband's portion of the home if it was to be sold and the proceeds divided between you per the divorce decree. Most mortgage lenders need 3-4 weeks of escrow to complete a new mortgage, but again, that's when you should consult a highly rated and reviewed mortgage lender. If you need a referral to one, please message me and I can see if my preferred lender has a referral to your area.