Exact Answer: 12 months to 2 years
An individual may file for bankruptcy when he or she is unable to repay the creditors. When a person or organization is under the overwhelming pressure of repaying debt obligations to a number of different creditors, he or she may have to opt for the legal process of bankruptcy to discard some of this outstanding debt amount.
However, buying a house after a bankruptcy claim has been filed by the individual in question can be difficult. The credit score of the person suffers quite significantly. Thus, investing in a home after the bankruptcy proceeding is over can be arduous and may have to be delayed for a while.
How Long After BK Can I Buy A House?
Usually, an individual filing for bankruptcy must wait for some time before he or she can apply for a home loan. The definitive length of the waiting period will be contingent on the kind of bankruptcy claim filed, the credit score of the individual, the statutes of a particular loan agency, etc.
The window of mortgage application after bankruptcy extends from 12 months to 2 years. If the person in question applies for a home loan at the FHA, then he or she must wait for at least 2 years after the discharge of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy charge.
In certain special cases, this period can be reduced to 12 months. For instance, when the applicant is able to show the FHA that the bankruptcy was due to circumstances outside his or her control, like the death of a spouse.
Under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy charge, one can secure home loans as soon as 12 months from the FHA. However, there is a caveat to this clause. The person must be able to demonstrate that he or she can afford to make the payments of the newly secured debt. One can apply for VA mortgage loans after 2 years of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy charge.
When buying a home with conventional loans after bankruptcy- i.e. loans from banks and loan agencies without government backing- the waiting periods are different. For a Chapter 7 charge, one needs to wait for 24 to 48 months. For a Chapter 13 charge, the period is equally varied. It is 24 months if the case is discharged and 48 months if the case is dismissed by the court.
In Summary:
| Circumstances of Securing the Loan | Time Period of Waiting |
| FHA loan (Chapter 7) | 2 years |
| FHA Loan (Chapter 13) | 12 months |
| VA Mortgage Loan | 2 years |
| Conventional Loans (Chapter 7, Out of Control Causes) | 24 months |
| Conventional Loans (Chapter 7, Financial Mismanagement) | 48 months |
| Conventional Loans (Chapter 13, Case Dismissed) | 48 months |
| Conventional Loans (Chapter 13, Case Discharged) | 24 months |
Why Do You Have To Wait This Long After BK To Buy A House?
The financial standing of an individual is conspicuously lowered after he or she files a bankruptcy claim. The credit score of the individual is severely affected when he or she files for bankruptcy. Moreover, it is important to cognize that a bankruptcy claim remains a part of your financial history for 7 years.
After a bankruptcy claim is filed, the person in question becomes more of a credit liability. Such an individual has to work hard to rebuild a strong credit reputation in order to secure a home loan. Convincing the investors that the individual is a good financial bet takes time. After bankruptcy, the person must work to vanquish this image of a credit liability.
The time period between the case been discharged and applying for a home loan is quite varied because of the norms of each institution that provides the loan to the individual. The FHA is a government department, but it secures loans from private lenders for individuals with less than perfect credit scores. However, the person must fulfill the requirements of these lenders.
On the other hand, conventional loan sources have a shorter period of waiting for those who can prove that the bankruptcy claim was filed due to reasons beyond their control. It was not due to financial mismanagement on the part of the individual. Proving this would boost the confidence of the investors.
Moreover, Chapter 7 charges have a longer waiting period because courts wipe out the debt history of the individual in question. Thus, their credit score takes a major hit. Chapter 13 involves a reorganization of the person’s outstanding debt, making the waiting time is shorter.
Conclusion
Buying a home is a formidable investment. Most people rely on mortgages to at least partially finance their dream homes. After a bankruptcy claim is filed, this process of securing mortgages for your home may become even more complex and lengthy.
Most financial resource centers like banks and private loan agencies grant mortgages to prior defaulters after a period of 12 months to 4 years. For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy claim, the individual must wait 4 years after the claim has been discharged by the court, while for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy claim, the person must wait for 2 years. When securing mortgages from government banks, this waiting period is considerably shorter.
References
- https://heinonline.org/hol-cgi-bin/get_pdf.cgi?handle=hein.journals/wlr2009§ion=23
- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1332213
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
The writer’s well-structured explanation of the reasons behind the waiting times for home loans post-bankruptcy is commendable. Informative and detailed.
Indeed, the multifaceted nature of the waiting periods has been meticulously discussed, providing a deep understanding of the subject.
The article presents a well-reasoned analysis of the waiting periods, offering valuable knowledge to readers seeking to purchase a home after bankruptcy.
The extensive explanation of the reasons behind the waiting periods and the various loan types is commendable. A great resource for those seeking clarity on this topic.
Absolutely, the article expertly dissects the waiting periods for mortgage loans based on different circumstances, offering profound insights for readers. Well done.
The in-depth exploration of the financial aspects and lender considerations highlighted in the article is truly enlightening. Well-sourced and informative.
Absolutely, the article offers a well-researched and comprehensive breakdown of the waiting periods based on varying financial factors. It’s a fascinating read.
The waiting period seems quite long, but it makes sense given the financial implications of bankruptcy. It’s important for individuals to understand these timelines.
Those waiting periods are definitely a glaring reminder of the consequences of bankruptcy. It’s a tough process for those looking to buy a house.
Absolutely, bankruptcy affects an individual’s credit score and financial history, which requires time to rebuild. The waiting periods are necessary to assess the financial stability of the borrower.
This article effectively delineates the complex factors influencing the waiting periods for mortgage loans post-bankruptcy. It’s a crucial guide for those in such circumstances.
Absolutely, the thorough explanation of the waiting periods across different loan types provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges individuals face when buying a house after bankruptcy.
The article effectively outlines the importance of rebuilding credit after bankruptcy and the waiting times required for different loan types. It’s a thought-provoking piece.
Absolutely, the article underscores the significance of proving financial stability and credibility to lenders after bankruptcy. It’s an insightful read.
The waiting periods for different mortgage loans post-bankruptcy reveal the intricate financial dynamics at play. This article provides a much-needed understanding of the subject.
The article accurately explains the reasons behind the waiting times and the differences between various types of loans. It’s a helpful guide for individuals considering buying a house post-bankruptcy.
I agree, the article sheds light on the financial implications of bankruptcy and provides clarity on what to expect during the waiting periods for different types of mortgage loans. Well done.
It’s remarkable that the author addresses the factors contributing to the varying waiting periods. This article provides valuable insights for those navigating the process of buying a house post-bankruptcy.
Definitely, the in-depth explanation of why the waiting periods exist and how they differ across loan types is enlightening. Great read for anyone seeking information on this topic.
This is a very informative article on buying a house after a bankruptcy claim. It’s detailed and covers the waiting time for different types of loans.
Yes, the article provides a comprehensive summary of the waiting periods for different types of loans. The author has done an excellent job.