Bankruptcy is a formal process through which an individual or business can eliminate or repay some or all its debts.
It is not an uncommon occurrence, and it does not have to be the end of the world.
Many people who have gone through bankruptcy go on to live happy and successful lives.
That includes buying a house.
If you're considering buying a house after bankruptcy, here are a few tips to help you get started.
1)) Establish a Good Credit Score
One of the first things you'll need to do is establish a good credit score.
This will require time and patience, but it's worth it in the long run.
You can rebuild your credit by making all your payments on time, keeping your balances low, and using credit responsibly.
2)) Check Your Credit Score and Report for Accuracy
After you've begun making timely payments, it's time to check your credit score and report for accuracy.
You can get a free copy of your report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Dispute any errors with the bureau in question as soon as possible.
If everything looks accurate, take note of where your score stands so you can track your progress over time.
3)) Consider a Secured Credit Card
Once you have a handle on your credit score and report, you may want to consider opening a new line of credit in the form of a secured credit card.
A secured credit card requires a security deposit that becomes the card's credit limit.
Because the limit is equal to the deposit, these cards are often easier to get than traditional unsecured cards for people with bad credit scores.
Be sure to shop around for the best terms before applying and avoid secured cards with high fees.
4)) Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Now that you've started rebuilding your credit score, it's time to start thinking about buying a house after bankruptcy.
The first step in this process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan from a lender, preferably one who specializes in working with people who have gone through bankruptcy.
This will give you an idea of how much money you'll be able to borrow as well as what interest rate you'll pay on the loan.
Keep in mind that you may not get approved for the full loan amount you're seeking and that's okay.
Use this opportunity to save up for a larger down payment so that you can get the best possible interest rate when buying your home after bankruptcy court discharge.
5)) Find the Right Realtor
When you're ready to start house hunting, you must find the right realtor.
Look for someone who has experience working with people who have gone through bankruptcy.
They should be understanding and knowledgeable about the process, and they should be able to help you find homes that fit your budget and needs.
Conclusion
Buying a house after bankruptcy is possible and it doesn't have to be as difficult as you might think.
By following these tips, you can get on the path to homeownership in no time.
Just remember to take your time, do your research, and partner with experts who can help you along the way.
Download Our Free E-book!
