Our team has put together a detailed outline on the process to buy a house after bankruptcy. Many individuals believe that after filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy they are in no position to get a home loan. However, our company has a bankruptcy division that is dedicated to helping these individuals get a home loan after their bankruptcy. It has been suggested by some industry professionals that individuals who have filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy have improved their financial position faster than attempting to deal with their debts on their own.
Below are the steps that you can begin to take in order to position yourself to buy a house after bankruptcy. These five steps can greatly increase the chances you have to get a home loan during or after your bankruptcy.
1. Get Your Finances in Order
Get an In-Depth Credit Review
When you are looking to buy a house after bankruptcy, some companies will provide you with a 3-in-1 credit review. This way you can see if there are any factors that are positively or negatively impacting your credit.
Establish a Monthly Budget
Make sure that every dollar you earn has its place. Your income needs to go towards paying your bills and bankruptcy plan payments first. Then utilize free online budget tools like Mint to help you establish and follow monthly spending budgets.
Begin to Rebuild Your Credit
Find a trusted company that provides secured credit cards. This form of payment can help you rebuild your credit score, by allowing you to pay off your monthly purchases regularly. Click here to see our favorite secured credit card providers. Rebuilding your credit score during or after your bankruptcy is vital if you plan on buying a house after bankruptcy.
2. Build a Savings and Reserve Account
Set a Monthly Amount Aside For Savings
After you have paid your fixed monthly bills, see how much you can put aside in your savings account each month. Whether its $5 or $500 any amount you can save, after paying your fixed monthly expenses is a step in the right direction. Building your savings account is a crucial step that can help you buy a house after bankruptcy.
Establish a Goal for Your Down Payment and Reserves
Now that you know how much you can save each month its time to determine a goal for your down payment. In order to see how much you need to save reach out to a Mortgage Consultant. They will be able to go over the different home loan programs you qualify for, and tell you how much your down payment and reserve requirements will be. Some loan programs have little or no down payment requirements. (See Peoples Bank Home Loan Programs Here)
3. Preparing to Buy A Home After Bankruptcy
Calculate Monthly Payments Based on Your Income
Your monthly home expenses are not just your mortgage payments. You need to budget for home owner’s insurance, regular home maintenance, and appliance repairs. Nothing in house will last forever without proper maintenance, so its best to set money aside for when those expenses arise.
Get an Inspection for Your Current Home and New Home
When you are looking to buy a house after bankruptcy it is important to hire a home inspector to provide a detailed report of the home you are seeking to purchase after or during your bankruptcy plan. It is also helpful to have an inspection of your current home in case there are any issues that will require attention before you sell your current home.
Account For Closing Costs & Expenses
When purchasing a home after bankruptcy, its important to have some cash set aside for any improvements or fees that you feel are necessary. Closing costs and attorney fees are two examples of expenditures that you will need to account for. Also, see if your new home is going to require a special type of flood or earthquake insurance.
4. Collect Your Required Documents
You will need to make sure that you have all of your documents in a central location so it is easy to share them with the required parties.
Bankruptcy Discharge Documents (bankruptcy petition, marriage/divorce records)
After filing for bankruptcy you already understand the intense process of collecting the necessary documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, asset lists, etc. While the process of buying a house after bankruptcy isn’t as detailed, you still will need to provide some financial documentation to your home loan provider. Below are a few items that will most likely be requested by your mortgage loan company.
– Tax Records
– W2’s
– Insurance Information
– Proof of Additional Income
– Pay Stubs
– Medical Bill Records
5. Find A Bankruptcy Mortgage Company
Partnering with a trusted mortgage company is essential when you are looking to buy a house after bankruptcy. It is imperative that your lender has the knowledge and experience to help navigate your path towards home ownership. Our team has helped over 1,000 individuals secure a home loan after their bankruptcy and we can help you too.
Choosing Your Home Loan Program
Connect over the phone or online with a Mortgage Consultant. He or she will be able to provide you with an in depth consultation where you can share you mortgage goals.
Account for Closing Costs & Other Expenses
During the buying and selling process of a home after bankruptcy you will incur fees for appraisals, escrow, title change, and inspections. Make sure that you properly account for these fees during the process, or include them into your home loan.
6. Contact Us
When it comes to buying a house after bankruptcy there is no better company to work with than Peoples Bank Mortgage. Our team has the knowledge and experience to help navigate you towards your goals of home ownership after bankruptcy. Call 843-606-6058 CLICK HERE or to secure your FREE mortgage consultation.
To learn more check out our Guide to Getting a Home Loan After Bankruptcy Discharge.