As a first time home buyer with poor credit what programs are available to help improve chance of being approved?

Much more info needed to address your scenario specifically.. but you would start by contacting a mortgage professional in your area and ask if they help with credit restoration.. Typically, the big banks don't do it.. so you need to go to a mortgage bank or mortgage company.. Without knowing the details, it's impossible to advise you.. having a few late payments here and there is different than having 10 collections accounts.. or worse yet.. judgement's, IRS tax liens, unpaid child support or alimony, etc.. Some things are deal breakers, and some can be fixed.. but we need to see the whole picture to advise you.. I'm a preferred Lender with California and Arizona being my primary markets. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com NMLS# 226347 / LendUS, NMLS 1938/ AZMB0121893

Generally speaking, there no loans available to assist first time home buyers with poor credit. If you have a little money (at least 3.5% down), you may have a shot for an FHA loan with a score as low as 580 (maybe). Below 580, and you'll need a sub-prime loan, and now you are looking at at least 10% down. Best advice is to work on improving credit before trying to buy a home. I lend in MN, WI, and SD, and can be found at FirstTimeHomeBuyer-MN.com NMLS274132