Debt struggles in Harrisburg can often make you feel like a prisoner. In that context, personal bankruptcy certainly offers a sense of freedom. Yet you should have realistic expectations going into your bankruptcy case; your decision (for all of the financial sense that it may make for you) will have implications.
One of these is the impact that a bankruptcy can have on your credit rating. You of course do not want your decision to seek bankruptcy protection to exclude from securing financial again (as such assistance is often needed to make large purchases, such as a home). The question then becomes how long after filing for bankruptcy might you be able to qualify for a mortgage.
No set statute
Unfortunately, there may not be an easy answer to that question. No set federal statute exists that states how long you must wait to get apply for a mortgage following your bankruptcy case. Indeed, if you have a large enough down payment, you may be able to qualify for home financing shortly after your bankruptcy discharge date. However, according to information shared by LendingTree.com, the following represent observed time periods for mortgage qualification (through common lending programs) following bankruptcy:
- Conventional: Four years after a Chapter 7, two to fours years after a Chapter 13
- USDA: Three years after a Chapter 7, one year after a Chapter 13
- FHA and VA: Two years after a Chapter 7, one year after a Chapter 13
When to apply for a mortgage
Keep in mind that your credit rating impacts your loan interest rate. Thus, (and this information should is not mean to be legal advice, but rather a simple suggestion) it may be in your best interest to wait until your individual credit score improves so you can secure a favorable rate on a mortgage.
