Refinancing After Bankruptcy

Refinancing after a bankruptcy can seem like an especially difficult challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Six months after your bankruptcy has been finalized, you can find lenders willing to refinance your mortgage. In fact, refinancing your mortgage can help rebuild your credit to good standing in two year's time. The following steps will help you find the best refinance lender while helping your rebuild your credit record.

Preparing For Refinancing

Right after bankruptcy, you have six months to prepare to refinance your mortgage. Begin by establishing good payment history by regularly paying your bills and current mortgage. This is also a good time to open a credit card account to start establishing good credit history.

If possible, also start building up a savings account. The more cash assets you have, the better your application will look. Consider having a garage sale or taking a second job to raise funds.

Researching Lenders

Once you are ready to refinance, research mortgage lenders and their rates. Online mortgage websites allow easy comparison shopping. Look at both interest rates and fees of refinancing quotes. Usually a slightly higher rate with low fees is the best deal.

With bankruptcy on your credit report, you will typically need to work with a sub prime lender. You can expect to pay a few percentage points above a traditional mortgage, which you can find through online mortgage companies.

Choosing Your Refinancing Package

You may be offered a chance to cash out part of your home's equity when refinancing your mortgage. If you need to make home improvements or buy a car, this may be a good option. However, if you keep your home's equity in place, you are improving your credit.

Once you have decided on your terms, you can finish your loan application online or through the mail. Quotes are not guaranteed, so rates may vary slightly once your application has been approved. Before the loan is finalized though you have the opportunity to review the loan again.

After Refinancing

With your refinancing completed, you can plan to lower your interest rates through refinancing in two years by building up your credit score. Continue to make regular payments and add to your cash reserves. Before you apply to refinance again, review your credit report to be sure your bankruptcy closed all past accounts on your record. With a solid credit history behind you, you can apply to traditional mortgage lenders.

To view our recommended sources for refinancing after a bankruptcy online, visit this page: Recommended Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders Online.

Carrie Reeder is the owner ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.


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In The News:


Interest rate drop opens door to refinancing
Austin American-Statesman, TX - 6 hours ago
By Shonda Novak, MS Taboada The recent sharp drop in mortgage interest rates is creating a window for homeowners nationwide to refinance and providing an ...
Looking to refinance? Now might be the time Boston Globe
all 2 news articles

Ben Bernanke: Fresh Attack on Mortgage Rates
U.S. News & World Report, DC - 13 hours ago
Lower rates will enable some borrowers to refinance out of adjustable and into fixed-rate loans. But those who need to refinance the most have homes with ...
Long Bond Returns Most Since 1995 as Rosenberg Sees ‘Bubble’ Bloomberg
Treasury Yields Hit Record Lows, But Will it Last? Housing Wire
REFILE-TREASURIES-Bonds rally, helped by weakening economy Reuters
Hemscott - Bloombergall 148 news articles

Self-Employed Are Frozen Out of Mortgages
Wall Street Journal - 6 hours ago
He's been unable to find a lender willing to refinance the $900000 adjustable-rate mortgage on his primary residence, which he says is worth around $1.1 ...

Md. sees drop in loss of homes
Baltimore Sun, United States - 2 hours ago
Many borrowers took on mortgages at the height of the housing boom, believing they could eventually refinance to a lower loan rate or sell their homes if ...

Wolters Kluwer Financial Services Begins Development of Hope for ...
MarketWatch - 18 hours ago
For borrowers who refinance under H4H, lenders are required to "write down" the mortgage to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-provided ...

Telegraph.co.uk

Mortgage rates fall, but many borrowers will have trouble qualifying
Los Angeles Times, CA - Nov 27, 2008
Jeff Lazerson, a Laguna Niguel mortgage broker, said all the customer calls he received Tuesday were from people seeking to refinance, not buy homes. ...
Mortgage-market revival: Try, try again CNNMoney.com
Last Call for Smart Homeowners Motley Fool
US move cuts mortgages to lowest rate since February Baltimore Sun
Bloomberg - AHNall 2,159 news articles

New mortgage crisis looming, experts caution
San Bernardino Sun, CA - 7 hours ago
And since investors no longer want to buy commercial mortgages, banks are reluctant to write new loans to refinance those facing foreclosure. ...

Good time to refinance your mortgage?
WKTV, NY - 17 hours ago
By GARY LIBERATORE (WKTV) - If you are in the market to buy a home, it's a really good time, but if you're selling, it's not so good. ...

A recession Q&A
Newsday, NY - 1 hour ago
... take measures that will result in lower mortgage rates, "so people can afford to buy up housing inventory and refinance mortgages at affordable rates. ...

Great Wolf continues mortgage negotiations
Wisconsin State Journal, WI - 14 hours ago
Because of the economy, refinancing arrangements are taking longer and are structured differently than in the past, he said. The resort continues to operate ...
BRIEF: Great Wolf still talking with lenders Trading Markets (press release)
all 4 news articles
mortgage refinance - Google News
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