Those are all good answers below. If you need to put your boyfriend on the loan as well, there are loans that will take his score of 587. Please contact me if you would like to discuss more.

If you have sufficient income, and if your debt-to-income ratio isn't too high, then you could purchase the property in your name, and add him later (after he has improved his credit).

You might consider making your offer with seller financing. For example, you could offer to buy that property using a "subject-to" mortgage with a 1 to 2 year balloon, and refinance later. Or you could offer to buy that property using a lease-option (which you can think of as rent-to-buy terms).

There are lenders out there that will go under a 620 for FHA, BUT you will pay a premium. The rates are usually 1-2% higher than the published FHA rates. Dont be supprised if you get quoted in the high 6's to low 7's.

I've had great luck with Jim Bain of Wells Fargo in Woburn, MA. He'll take an indepth look at your situation and give you a clearer idea of what loan products are out there and what if any actions can be done to improve any mis-information on your credit reports.

I always tell buyers to ask friends, family, colleagues for referrals of mortgage professionals they've used and had a positive experience with. Then also investigate the people, google them, the better business bureau, Mass Division of Banks, Attorney Generals Office etc. Then ask for the mortgage professionals resume as well as refrences, most will be glad to furnish this info.

Hope that helps,