How long after my bankruptcy has been discharged should I have to wait to get approved for a mortgage loan? - Typically, mortgage lenders are open to considering an approval for a home loan after 2 years. Some lenders that are more strict have a policy of waiting 3 years to begin considering financing. It's possible to get mortgage financing before 2 years from the discharge date, you just may end up needing a down payment or you may have to settle for a much higher interest rate.
Can I get the best interest rates available? Is it possible? - It's not likely. The most likely way to get the lowest interest rate available would be to have a large down payment. Also, another factor that will contribute to what type of interest rate you qualify for would be how well you have paid your bills since the bankruptcy discharge.
What other factors will help me get approved for a home loan? - Your credit is only one of a few of the main factors in getting a home loan. Other factors include, employment history, debt-to-income ratio, the homes loan-to-value, income and down payment. So, consequently, if you have credit problems, it's important, not only to work on increasing your credit score but to strengthen the other factors that work for you in the loan process.
How long will a bankruptcy affect my ability to get a mortgage loan? - A chapter 13 bankruptcy stays on your credit history for 7 years and a Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on credit for 10 years. However, starting from the first day after your bankruptcy discharge date, as your credit improves, your credit score improves. As you make payments over time, your credit score will continue to go up and can be in the high 600's or 700 even before you bankruptcy filing has come off your credit report.
Today, there is a growing realization of the need to offer home loan products that are specifically designed for borrowers with an imperfect credit or financial history. Mortgage programs have been created especially for borrowers who have gone through a bankruptcy. In fact, those with a bankruptcy discharged for even one day may apply for a home loan. That's right, if your bankruptcy was discharged yesterday, you can qualify for a mortgage today!
Now you are probably thinking that although you are eligible, it will be difficult to qualify. The truth is that qualifying is much easier than you think. The fact that you have been through bankruptcy is not even considered in the evaluation of your credit. Any liens, collections or judgments that appear on your credit report will also not be used in the evaluation of credit and will not need to be paid off.
What is important and what will be looked at is your credit score. Now here is the good news: with a minimum FICO score of 500, you are qualified to purchase a home with a 20% down payment. Having a credit score between 550 and 579 will allow you to borrow up to 95% of the purchase price; and with any score above 580, you are qualified for 100% financing.
With the competitive rates that are available on mortgage after bankruptcy programs, you are able to realize the dream of homeownership with a mortgage payment that is affordable and fits easily within your budget. Along with the traditional benefits of owning a home, such as equity building and tax benefits, you will most importantly be rebuilding your credit profile. Additionally, you may also benefit from the current strong housing market and its appreciating home values.
So now you know the following: that you can qualify for a home loan today, what the credit requirements for a mortgage are, and that you can rebuild your credit and financial life through homeownership. Gone forever are the days of waiting two years and living with the dim prospect of obtaining a mortgage after bankruptcy. You have worked hard to discharge your bankruptcy and have the fresh start that you were looking for.
There is empowerment that comes with the knowledge that you can purchase a home today even if your bankruptcy was discharged yesterday. So get qualified for a home loan, start searching for a home and begin packing those boxes!
Both Cl Haehl & Nathan Dawson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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