Rebuild Your Credit
You must first begin rebuilding your credit. Be diligent about paying your bills on time and apply for a secure credit card. Keep a close eye on your credit report to ensure nothing inaccurate has been reported, including the discharged debts from your bankruptcy.
Wait Two Years
Getting a loan may require 18-24 months after bankruptcy is discharged. However, some predatory lenders may not follow this timelines and will offer you a loan at extremely high interest rates. Keep waiting it out if your only options are outrageous terms and conditions.
Prepare for High Interest Rates
Expect to pay a higher interest rate due to your bankruptcy. Making a large down payment can decrease the loan amount which will reduce the amount of interest owed. You may be able to refinance your mortgage later on to get a lower rate.
Don’t Buy More House Than You Can Afford
It is not uncommon for people to fall in love with a house outside of their budget. Since a mortgage payment will be a fixed expense you will be paying off for years to come, it’s crucial for this to be a manageable amount. A general rule of thumb is to have a mortgage payment no more than 30% of your income. Mortgage calculators can help you determine what you will pay each month once interest and your down payment are factored in.