If you're looking to buy a home but fear that you won't be able to due to bad credit, you aren't alone. While the question might be, "Can I buy a home with bad credit?", you might be surprised to learn that the answer isn't as implausible as you might think. The average credit score for home buyers in America is at a staggering high of 731, but most home buyers can qualify for conventional loans with a credit score of at least 620. If your credit score falls below 620 or you lack a credit history all hope for owning a home is not lost.
Luckily, there are numerous paths you can take to become a homeowner.
1.Delay Homeownership To Repair Your Credit
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Repairing your credit score is easier said than done, but if you're not in a race to own a home this might be your best option. If you're aiming to apply for a conventional loan, then reaching a FICO credit score above 620 should be a priority. The higher your credit score, the more likely creditors will extend credit and you'll face lower interest rates. Review your full credit report, dispute any errors, and make plans to make on-time payments for existing debt. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a credit counselor who's experienced with repairing credit.
2.Accept High-Interest Rates
If you have bad credit, accepting a high mortgage interest rate is a possible solution for your homeownership woes, but it may come to haunt you in the future. Mortgage lenders consider your credit score when deciding you qualify for a loan and determining your interest rates. A high credit score signifies to credit lenders that you're less likely to default on your mortgage loan, so they provide lower interest rates. When your credit score is low, lenders perceive lending to you as a risk and require a high interest rate to offset the extra risk they're taking on. In the long-term, these higher interest rates can lead to you paying thousands of dollars more in mortgage payments than if you had a low interest rate.
3.Save For A Large Down Payment
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When you make a down payment on a house, that means you are paying a lump sum amount upfront to purchase a house. A down payment is usually expressed as a percentage of the full price of the house, and the minimum down payment varies depending on the lender and personal credit history. But, choosing to pay a downpayment of 20% can improve your odds at qualifying for a decent mortgage rate from a conventional lender, despite having bad credit.
4.Consider An FHA Loan
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and protect lenders from defaults on payments. This protection makes it easier to meet lender qualifications and results in lenders providing lower interest rates. This is a perfect option for borrowers who have a credit score of at least 580. To qualify for FHA loans, there is a typical requirement of a minimum of 3.5%. A great part about an FHA loan is the ability to still qualify for a loan despite a history of bankruptcy or other financial problems.
If you're thinking about applying for an FHA loan, it's good to know that they're available with 30-year or 15-year terms. Pretty much, you're estimated to pay off your loan within 30 or 15 years with regular payments depending on the loan term you choose. Also, you have the option to receive fixed or adjustable rates on your loan.
5.Take Advantage Of Seller Financing
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Taking advantage of seller financing is a phenomenal option for someone with lackluster credit because it doesn't involve a bank. The seller and buyer make the payment arrangement between themselves and the seller finances the purchase for the buyer. When purchasing a home through seller financing, it's important to hire professionals to draw up a promissory note and contract stating the interest rates, payment schedule, and payment default consequences. This method of financing doesn't involve a transfer of principal from buyer to seller, but it's an agreement that the buyer will pay a sum of money over an agreed-upon period.
For some people, the purchase of a house might be the biggest purchase they'll ever make. Owning a house is seen as a sign of financial stability and it's associated with the "American Dream" causing people to hastily buy a house. People may rush into buying a house, but it's still a major commitment that shouldn't be taken lightly, regardless of your credit history.
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The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
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Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
Meanwhile, frankincense and myrrh originate from the Middle East and Africa (you know, like the Bible does — some folks need to be reminded of that—eh hem — Trumpers) and ginger? It too helps with indigestion (which can definitely creep up at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables); plus, it’s a key ingredient for ginger snaps and gingerbread houses. So, as you can see, holiday-themed scents have a rhyme and reason to them.
Tying this all in together — several years ago, I penned an article for the platform entitled, “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry ‘Christmas Sex’?” Well, in the spirit of revisiting some of that content, with a bit of a twist, I decided to broach some traditional holiday scents from the perspective of which ones will do your libido a ton of good from now through New Year’s Eve (check out “Make This Your Best NYE. For Sex. EVER.”).
Are you ready to check some of them out, so that, whether it’s via a candle, a diffuser, some essential oil, or some DIY body cream (check out “How To Incorporate All Five Senses To Have The Best Sex Ever”), you can bring some extra festive ambiance into your own boudoir? Excellent.
1. Vanilla
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When it comes to holiday desserts, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find recipes that don’t include vanilla — and that alone explains why it is considered to be a traditional holiday scent. As far as your libido goes, vanilla is absolutely considered to be an aphrodisiac — partly because its sweet scent is considered to be very sensual. Some studies even reveal that vanillin (the active ingredient in vanilla) is able to increase sexual arousal and improve erectile dysfunction in men. So, if you adore the smell, here is more incentive to use it.
2. Frankincense
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Although, typically, when people think about frankincense (and myrrh), it’s in the context of the gifts that the wise men brought Christ after he was born; it’s a part of the biblical Christmas story. However, frankincense goes much deeper than that. Sexually, since it has an earthy and spicy scent, some people like to use it to meditate (check out “What Exactly Is 'Orgasmic Meditation'?”). Also, since it has the ability to put you in a better mood, soothe and soften your skin and maintain your oral health — with the help of frankincense, every touch and kiss can be that much…sexier.
3. Cinnamon
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I already gave cinnamon a shout-out in the intro. Personally, I’ve been a fan of it, in the sex department, for a long time now (check out “12 ‘Sex Condiments’ That Can Make Coitus Even More...Delicious”). When it’s in oil form, it can be very sweet to the taste while sending a warm sensation throughout the body — which is why the giver and receiver of oral sex can benefit from its usage. Beyond that, cinnamon helps to increase blood flow to your genital region, elevate sexual desire and, some studies say that it can even help improve fertility. Beautiful.
4. Peppermint
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If there’s a signature candy for the holiday season, it’s probably a candy cane — which automatically puts peppermint in the running for being an official holiday scent. Pretty much, in any form, it’s got your sex life’s back because it’s hailed as being a sexual stimulant; in part, because its smell is so invigorating. Plus, it helps to (eh hem) ease headaches, it gives you more energy and it can definitely help to freshen your breath. Also, that minty sensation? The same thing that I said about cinnamon can apply to peppermint too (if you catch my drift).
5. Ginger
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Whether it’s in a meal or in your bedroom, ginger is going to produce results that are hella spicy. On the sex tip, science has praised ginger for being able to increase sexual arousal, improve blood circulation (which intensifies orgasms) and strengthen fertility for many years. Scent-wise, I find it to be one that both men and women enjoy because it is both woodsy and sweet. So, if you’ve got some massage oil in mind, adding some ginger is a way to please you both.
6. Pomegranate
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September through December is the time of year when pomegranates are considered to be in season. And, as someone who is a Rosh Hashanah observer, I have a personal adoration for them because I am aware of the various things that they symbolize in Hebrew culture including the fact that they are a fruit that represents love and fertility. So yeah, they would absolutely be an aphrodisiac — one that is perfect for this time of the year. While consuming it helps to boost testosterone levels in both men and women, the floral bittersweet smell that it produces can help to reduce stress while promoting relaxation (like most floral scents do) — and the more relaxed you are, the easier it is to climax.
7. Nutmeg
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Another signature seasoning during the holiday season is nutmeg. It’s perfect in Thanksgiving sweet potato (or pumpkin) pie and Christmas morning French toast. And yes, it can also make your sex life better. If you consume it, it can intensify your libido and, overall, its warm-meets-spicy-meets-sweet smell is so inviting that it is considered to be a pretty seductive scent.
8. Cloves
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I ain’t got not one lie to tell you — if you’ve got a toothache, put some clove oil on that bad boy and send me a Christmas present for putting you on game. Aside from that, as I round all of this out, cloves are another holiday scent that can do wonders for your sex life. For men, it has the ability to significantly increase sexual arousal and improve stamina and endurance. For men and women alike, it also has a reputation for strengthening sexual desire. And for women solely? Well, if you want an all-natural way to increase natural lubrication down below — the scent and and feel (in DILUTED oil form) can make that happen. It can make the holidays especially special…if you know what I mean.
Ah yes — the atmosphere of the holidays and what it can do.
Take it all in! Scent ‘n whatever stimulating that comes with it! #wink
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