If you dream of owning a home, you aren't alone. Most people still consider this a cornerstone of the "American dream" and aspire to become homeowners. However, if you have a bad financial history, you might think this goal is beyond your reach. Think again because there are ways you can improve your financial record and find properties you can afford.

The Listing Team can help. We know the ins and outs of the local market and can provide tips on up-and-coming neighborhoods with more affordable options. We also have a professional network we can rely on to connect you to properties beyond what's listed.

In the meantime, the following guide offers additional tricks and resources that you can rely on to score a property you love — even if you don't have the bank account of a one-percenter.

Take steps to boost your credit score.

Your credit score is an indicator of your overall financial health. Lenders will look at it when deciding whether or not to extend a home loan. If you have a low credit score (for example, due to unpaid debts), take steps to boost it. Start by obtaining a copy of your credit report. According to U.S. law, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report every year.

When you get your report, check it for errors, which can negatively impact your overall score. Forbes reports that five percent of consumers discovered mistakes on their reports. You can dispute errors by contacting the credit reporting agency. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides contact information for the major agencies.

You can further boost your score by eliminating debts. For instance, if you have multiple credit cards, you can consolidate your debts in one new card (and reduce the amount of interest you pay). The fwer debts you have, the more cash you can save to put toward the purchase of a new home.

Ask a friend or family member to cosign your loan.

Even with the above steps, you may be unable to boost your credit score sufficiently to secure a good loan. If you are unable to get a mortgage or only getting offers for undesirable mortgages (for example, those with high-interest rates), consider asking a friend or family member to co-sign your loan. Before you go this route, though, it's important to understand the legal implications for the cosigner.

Your cosigner will be held liable for your loan — if you can't pay it, they are expected to. If they don't, their own financial record will suffer. For clarity and to minimize the cosigner's risk, present them with a budget reflecting your income, debt, and financial obligations. You can also give them a written statement outlining your emergency plan if you aren't able to pay.

Try getting a home that's in foreclosure or buying "as is."

If you've checked homes for sale in your area and still can't find something in your price range, consider buying a property that's in foreclosure or bank-owned. There are a lot of details that come with buying a real-estate owned property (REO), and you need to learn how to buy foreclosed property and everything it entails. However, all the effort can be worth it if you’re able to buy a highly discounted home.

Another option is to get a house "as is," meaning you can't ask the seller to make fixes (even major ones, like a leaky roof) — these properties are generally cheaper. Either of these options comes with added risks, so make sure to work with a trustworthy realtor and have a lawyer review all paperwork.

As you can see, there are many creative ways to get a property of your own. You don't necessarily need a huge amount of savings or a stellar credit score to succeed. Get inspired by the above guide and don't give up on your dream of owning a house. Start your home search today. Call The Listing Team at 954-342-6180.