Looking for help to get mortgage loan this year

[Jaguars28fan]

Hi,

I've been rebuilding my credit for the past year and a half.  I think I'm finally close to the point where I might be able to get a loan.  Just looking for some help on what to do next. 

Credit : myfico for EQ is 650.  my tu08 is 637 (that's the score when I still had a collection on it though).  I have 4 chargeoffs (2 w/ balances) totaling 5k from 6 years ago.  I have 3 open credit cards.  One being 2 years, another being 1, and another being 6 month.  Wife has around 750.  Her credit has no problems.  No lates for either of us in the past 5 years. 

Income :  I make about 35k/yr .  She makes 15k/yr

Debt :  She has a student loan for about 7k left. 

Savings : 2k.  If i had to put a down payment, I'd probably take a loan against my 401k for 7k.

We're trying for a USDA Direct loan  but incase funding is delayed, I was wondering our chances for FHA?  Does anyone know of any lenders that do no require chargeoffs to be paid?  All the ones I've called so far, require it. 

[JM-AM]

Charge offs do not always have to be paid. It is based on lender requirements.

Im not sure who you been talking too but I would speak with a broker instead of an LO in your situation. They deal with many lenders and should be able to place you with a lender to get you approval for your situation. Just shop brokers as if you were shopping to purchase home.

[Jaguars28fan]

ok thanks, I'l try that.  I've just been calling around and talking to customer service reps (I think).  The three I called, all wanted the charge offs paid off.  The USDA direct said they are ok and don't need to be, but of course, they don't have funding at the moment.