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Buying A House After Bankruptcy - Things To Consider
By: Carrie Reeder
Bankruptcy can make getting any kind of financing much more difficult. However,
it's not impossible anymore to get financing, even a few days after the
discharge of a bankruptcy. But, is getting a loan soon after a bankruptcy a
smart thing to do?
It can be tempting to buy a new home, new car, etc., after a bankruptcy
discharge you have no debt left. You will probably feel like you can afford a
larger house payment. Here are some factors to consider before committing
yourself to a new house payment.
Pre-Payment Penalty - Almost every subprime loan (bad credit loan) now comes
with a pre-payment penalty. This penalty is usually about 6 months worth of
house payments. The pre-payment penalty period usually lasts 2-3 years. That
means, if you want to refinance or sell your house in that period of time, that
will make it very difficult, if not impossible to sell or refinance. That means
that you are locked in. Once you sign those mortgage papers you absolutely have
to make those payments. If you don't have the amount of the pre-payment penalty
in savings, you are locked into making the payments or losing the house.
Two Year Mark - Keep in mind that after 2-3 years from the date of the
bankruptcy discharge, mortgage loans will be much easier to get. With a small
down payment, you might even be able to get a mortgage loan without a
pre-payment penalty. So, if you are within 6 months or so from the 2 year mark.
It would be smart to wait it out and have more mortgage loan options.
Setting Yourself Up For Failure Again? Borrowing Too Much? - If you do decide to
buy a house. Buy one that you know you will be able to afford. Don't max
yourself out on credit, living right up to the edge of your income. If your
income suddenly drops, you'll want to make sure that you can still afford your
house payment. Be conservative with how much home you need to buy.
About the Author:
View our recommended Mortgage After Bankruptcy lenders. Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.
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