Home Mortgage Loans After Bankruptcy - Financing A Home After Bankruptcy

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

Financing a home after a bankruptcy doesn?t have to be an ordeal. When you find the right lender, you can secure reasonable rates on your mortgage loan. You can improve your loan application with time and some cash leverage. Depending on your financial situation, it is possible to get conventional rates with a bankruptcy on your credit file.

Lenders Who Deal With Past Bankruptcies

With a recent bankruptcy, you can turn to sub prime lenders to obtain financing for your home. As soon as your bankruptcy has been finalized by the court, you can apply for a home loan. Your rates, however, will be about 12% higher than conventional rates unless you have significant cash assets.

After two years, conventional lenders will consider your loan application. Even though your bankruptcy will remain on your file for several years, lenders will be more interested in your current payment history and debt-to-income ratio.

Tips To Improve Your Loan Application

While you can?t erase your bankruptcy, you can improve your loan application to qualify for better rates. Down payments of 20% to 50% are the easiest way to become eligible for lower rates. Having cash reserves for two months or more will also help.

When it comes to terms, selecting an adjustable rate mortgage will help you qualify for more and at temporarily lower rates. Selecting a shorter loan period also lowers your rates. Furthermore you have the option of buying down your rate with points. But you may be better served by increasing your down payment and refinancing in a couple of years when your credit improves.

Research Lenders Before You Buy

Take some time to research loan estimates before you select a lender. It is the easiest way to save thousands on your future home loan. Make sure that you use the same numbers and terms when you request loan quotes from different financing companies. That way you will have precise numbers to base your decision on.

Once you have picked a lender, the hardest part of the process is over. In ten minutes or less, you can complete your loan application online. Your loan contract will be delivered in a couple of days for your final review with funds soon to follow.