The best first step is to contact a HUD approved Housing Counselor. The Housing Counselor could help you work on raising your credit score and guide you through the process of getting a mortgage and buying a home.Most federally insured or direct mortgages through the FHA or USDA require a credit score of 580 or could go even lower. Most conventional mortgages require credit scores in the mid-to-high 600 range.However, there are some types of mortgages that are funded or insured through federal, state and local governments, which allow for a buyer to purchase a home, even with a credit score lower than conventional mortgage standards.How to Contact a HUD approved Housing CounselorSearch for HUD approved Housing Counselors nationwide here.Call HUD's interactive voice system at (800) 569-4287.Search for a NeighborWorks network organization here.​​​​​​​NeighborWorks is a HUD funded community agency that offers homeownership counseling.Keep in mind there are other factors involved in obtaining a mortgage, such as:Having a source of reliable income.Price of the home.Total sum of the buyer’s other debts.