Can You Still Own a House after Bankruptcy?

More and more people are filing for bankruptcy due to the worsening economic crisis gripping the country today. Job loss and unemployment, insurmountable debts, or overwhelming medical bills are today’s primary reasons to file for bankruptcy. Despite the odds, dreams die hard and a lot of debt-strapped people are wondering if it is still possible for them to buy a house even after bankruptcy. You may be surprised but the answer is yes.

There are still plenty of lending and mortgage establishments both online and offline that offer housing loans even to individuals with bankruptcy stated on their credit reports. However, there are certain requirements you have to meet before applying for the loan.

Get your credit back into shape

First of all, you need to re-establish your credit after your bankruptcy has been discharged. This can be accomplished by starting a credit card account where you are required to make regular payments. A second option is to save and come up with a substantial down payment because the more cash reserve there is, the lower your rates will be. Carefully examine your credit report to ensure that all records pertaining to your bankruptcy are wiped clean.

Verify that all payment history entries are correct and accurate because just one late payment entry can raise your interest rate by 1% or maybe more. Once your credit rating improves through regular housing loan repayments, you can take out equity on your home and use the loan to consolidate any debts incurred during your bankruptcy or use it to finance some business.

Borrow what you can afford to pay
Make a thorough study of your budget before you begin your search for the proper housing loan. Determine how much loan you can afford to take out, the amount of down payment you can give, and how much monthly payments you can afford. From this info, you can now determine the amount of loan you can apply for and the kind of financing you will need.

If you should decide to reside in the house for seven years or more, it is more advisable to opt for a fixed rate mortgage because it can save you money over time. To help you get a clearer picture of what loan to get, online mortgage calculators are available to provide estimates.

Choose the right lender

Now that you have a particular type of loan in mind, you must check out different lending companies. Lenders feel that they are losing very little when they approve post-bankruptcy housing loans because they see your home as good collateral for your loan. There are lenders who would sit on your application for a while before finally approving your loan. On the other hand, most lenders are ready to approve your loan in a day or two after bankruptcy discharge.

Ask for free quotes from the lending companies and study their rates. Quotes are given after you provide some basic information even without presenting your credit card. When you have all the quotes, don’t be focused on the interest rates alone as this can be misleading but, instead, compare the Annual Percentage Rate with the loan’s actual cost.

Falling into bankruptcy need not wipe out the American dream of buying a house. Knowing the right procedures to take can get you the opportunity to own a home for you and your family.