In some ways, your financial fresh start occurs the moment you file for bankruptcy, as your creditors are immediately prevented from taking actions against you or your property to collect their debts. The debts are then officially wiped out when you receive a discharge order in a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
When Can I Get A Home Loan?
Many of our clients ask how long they must wait before they can apply for a residential mortgage after filing for bankruptcy. Specific requirements may vary between lenders, so it is best to shop around. But, there are some general industry standards:
- Fannie Mae: Lenders are eligible for a loan as little as two years after a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 discharge, although some borrowers may have to wait four years after a Chapter 7. Either way, that is considerably less time than the seven year wait after a foreclosure.
- Freddie Mac: The same general waiting periods apply, but Freddie may be a bit more rigid.
- FHA: These loans are generally the most forgiving when it comes to past credit problems. Borrowers with a Chapter 7 must wait a maximum of two years, while Chapter 13 debtors can be eligible in only one year.
- VA: Borrowers are eligible for a loan under $417,000 within two years after a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
- USDA: The waiting period after a Chapter 7 is three years, and a borrower who is still in Chapter 13 can qualify after a year of on-time trustee payments.
These values may be changing, as Congress and the White House may consider unwinding the government’s control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the coming year.
Contact John Hargrave and Associates
We have provided comprehensive counsel to individuals in and around Barrington, New Jersey, since 1977. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 856-547-6500.
