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Overwhelming debts require you to take some action if you wish to avoid repossession, foreclosure or lawsuit. Bankruptcy can be a way out, but you pay the price for it. You end up hurting your credit rating for as long as ten years in case of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and seven years in case of Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Getting credit after bankruptcy can be extremely difficult. Thus, if you wish to get a mortgage, bankruptcy can be bad!
According to Dallas based bankruptcy law firm Recovery Law Group lawyers, bankruptcy lowers your credit score considerably, making it difficult for people to get mortgage loans, especially post-bankruptcy. After some time, the negative effects of bankruptcy lessen, and lenders might consider your credit building efforts before agreeing to your mortgage. It is important to ensure that your credit-building efforts are reported to the credit bureaus so that your credit report is updated. Any incorrect or outdated information displayed on the credit history can hamper your chances of getting any kind of credit, including the mortgage.
Effect of different bankruptcy types on mortgage loans
The type of bankruptcy and discharge affect the establishment of a new line of credit. Here’s a look at various bankruptcy types:
- Chapter 7
In this liquidation bankruptcy, the non-exempt property is sold off to pay your unsecured debts like credit card debt, etc. This bankruptcy stays on credit report for 10 years. After waiting some time has passed since bankruptcy discharge and with a large down payment, you might get a mortgage loan.
- Chapter 11
Usually meant for businesses, it can also be used by individuals. People who have more money to qualify for Chapter 7 and more debt than allowed in Chapter 13 can choose this option. The chapter is complex and expensive. After some time, post-bankruptcy discharge, you can qualify for a mortgage.
- Chapter 13
Debtor repays some portion of the debt through a court-approved repayment plan over 3-5 years. Any remaining unsecured debt is discharged. The bankruptcy remains on credit report for 7 years. People who wish to take mortgage after this should consult their bankruptcy trustee.
Mortgage loan varieties
Different types of mortgage loans are available after bankruptcy, each with a unique requirement.
- Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans
Managed by the federal government, they require very low down-payment. However, you must pay for mortgage insurance which increases the monthly payments. There is a waiting period associated with different bankruptcy chapters. For Chapter 7, two years from discharge date, for Chapter 13, one year from discharge date while no waiting period for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- USDA Loans
U.S. Department of Agriculture loans are for rural borrowers. People who aren’t eligible for conventional loans, with modest income can opt for this loan for a house in a rural area. no-down-payment and low-interest rates are a great reason to choose it. you need to wait three years from discharge date in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, one year from discharge date for Chapter 13, and no waiting period for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- VA Loans
This one is for veterans and personnel currently serving in the military. There is no down-payment in the Department of Veteran Affairs loan. They do not charge private mortgage insurance and offer loan at low-interest rate too, however, a funding fee (percent of home price) is required. The waiting period in case of Chapter 7 is two years from discharge date; one year from discharge date for Chapter 13, while no waiting period for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- Conventional Loans
These loans are not guaranteed by any government agency; hence the norms are stricter than the others. You require a good credit score, should put 20% of house’s cost as down-payment and additional private mortgage insurance. Even the waiting requirements are longer. For Chapter 7 and Chapter 11, it is four years from the discharge date; while it is 2 years from discharge date or 4 years from dismissal date for Chapter 13.
The best way to get approval for a mortgage after bankruptcy is by focusing on rebuilding credit. The basic steps involved are creating a budget and avoiding spending more than your limit; paying your bills on time to avoid getting into debt and getting a secured credit card which reports your payments to the credit bureaus. Once you get your credit rating in order, getting mortgage won’t be tough. bankruptcy might prove to be a hurdle in your search for the perfect home, but with experienced lawyers by your side, things are smooth. To consult with qualified bankruptcy lawyers, you can call 888-297-6023.