- 1). Speak with a housing counselor or housing agency in Iowa to get advice on your credit problems. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors counseling agencies all over the country. To contact one in Iowa, go the HUD list of Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in Iowa (see References) and telephone one that's listed.
- 2). See if you quality for a Federal Housing Administration Loan. People with less-than-perfect credit may be able to qualify for these loans (see the HUD Homebuying link in References). The Federal Housing Administration insures these loans, so the lender ends up taking on less risk and can offer you a better deal. Visit the HUD Lender List (see References). Enter "Iowa " in the "state" field to get a list of Iowa lenders.
- 3). Try Iowa's local home-buying program. Go to the HUD web page for Homeownership Assistance in Iowa (see References for the link). Research programs such as "community contacts" or the Iowa Finance Authority statewide home-buyer programs to see if you qualify.