Bankruptcy And Buying A House - Is It Smart To Buy A House After
Bankruptcy?
Each year, millions of people file bankruptcy as a means of
erasing their consumer debts. While this approach may relieve
stress, a bankruptcy is damaging, and will hang over your head
for the next ten years. Still, it is possible to overcome
bankruptcy. The key is making smarter financial and credit
decisions. With this said, some people choose to purchase a home
after a bankruptcy. Here are a few pointers to consider when
buying a home.
Reasons to Delay the Buying Process after Bankruptcy
If you consult with mortgage or financial experts, they will
likely discourage you from buying a home following a bankruptcy.
After your bankruptcy is discharged, there is a black cloud that
looms over your credit report.
When any prospective lender reviews your report, they will be
notified of your recent or past bankruptcy. In some instances,
this justifies an immediate denial. On the other hand, there are
lenders eager to help you establish or rebuild your credit.
Thus, they will approve a loan request. Nonetheless, the
penalties are steep.
Higher mortgage rates can be anticipated when purchasing a home
after bankruptcy, especially if you have not established other
credit accounts. Mortgage lenders consider two factors: credit
scores and credit reports.
Although a bankruptcy appears on your credit report, having a
high credit score will increase your odds of getting a
comparable rate. Unfortunately, if you buy immediately following
a bankruptcy, you will not have the opportunity to boost your
score.
Reasons to Buy a Home after Bankruptcy
Lenders will approve mortgage loan applications one day
following a discharge. Therefore, it is possible to get a home
after a bankruptcy. Buying a home is perfect for rebuilding
credit. Moreover, it is the quickest way to increase your credit
score.
After a bankruptcy, the average person has a credit score below
600. Good credit consist of credit scores 650 and above.
Maintaining current mortgage payments will gradually increase
your score. After two years of regular payments, you will have
established a good payment history. Hence, you may qualify for a
low rate refinancing, which may lower your mortgage payments.