Lenders always nitpick about small things that might blemish a credit report. The absolute worst blemish it could contain is a bankruptcy- which shows a lender that you may be poor at handling money. It won’t be impossible to convince them otherwise, but it won’t happen without a fight.
Jumping back into the mortgage game after a bankruptcy isn’t likely to happen under normal circumstances. Lenders like to initiate a 2-year waiting period after the date of the bankruptcy before they allow a borrower to do business with them. Some bad credit mortgage brokers can find a loan sooner, but it won’t be without long looking and poor terms.
Even as little as a year is enough to prove to a bank that you deserve to be trusted again. Over the course of the twelve months, you should make payments on time and have a steady employment history. If you can also build up an impressive deposit, you will be able to further entice the lender and make them reconsider the 2-year minimum.
Even if you could get approved in as little as a year, you might not want to agree to a mortgage so soon. Consider waiting at least two years so that you can pool enough money together to get a large deposit, as well as a fund for emergencies. Your first bankruptcy should never be repeated, and having a “rainy day” fund reserved for emergencies will help keep history from repeating itself. Matching the deposit in a savings account is good practice.
Having a cosigner will greatly help you in your plight. A cosigner that has a great credit rating, and agrees to be responsible if you can’t make payments, will tie lenders over who are still skeptical. Finding a cosigner is another story completely, as you will need to find someone that trusts that you have learned a lesson in managing money. Otherwise they will be liable for the cost of the mortgage.
Do remember that your credit report will show a bankruptcy for up to a decade. Don’t expect to get perfect rates until it is erased from your record and your reputation is restored. You will have to settle for less, but don’t give up the search among different lenders. Rates vary wildly, even if you are in bad terms of credit. Internet lenders are also available if you exhaust all local options.
In Conclusion
Going through a bankruptcy is stressful enough, as if you didn’t have to worry about still getting another mortgage to finance a home in the future. Stick it out, and in time you will be able to once again apply for a mortgage to get a new home.
Learn more about Cheap Bankruptcy Mortgage and Discharged Bankruptcy Mortgage.