Buying a Home After You’ve Had a Short Sale or Foreclosure

Bend, OR Real Estate Podcast with Christine Browning

If you’ve had a short sale or foreclosure in the past, there are a few things I want to share with you that you should know if you want to buy a home again.

If you’ve had a short sale or a foreclosure in the past, how long do you have to wait to buy a home again and what do you need to do to prepare yourself for that process?

From 2009 to 2013, I worked with many people who had the unfortunate experience of having to do a short sale or a foreclosure during that downturn in the economy. Since then, we’ve seen a complete turnaround with housing values here in central Oregon, so many people are asking me that same question. I’ve brought in Matt Bassitt, owner of northwestern Home Loans, to help me answer it.

There are many different rules and regulations between each loan program, but for the most part, three years is the standard waiting period. If you’re a veteran and you used a VA loan, it might only be a two-year wait. According to Matt, most people in this category have already met the time requirements.

You should submit a loan application and start preparing for homeownership six to 12 months prior to when you think your deadline is. Sometimes the dates recorded in your credit profile aren’t accurate, so that will give you time to work that and other things with your loan officer to improve your credit.

There is a lot of strategy that goes into setting yourself up to buy your next home.

There is a lot of strategy that goes into setting yourself up to buy your next home. I’ve noticed many people who’ve gone through a short sale or foreclosure stop using credit altogether, which is a mistake because that means their credit score and credit history haven’t rebuilt.

There are some fantastic financing options that involve putting down as little as 0%. If you’re getting a tax refund or you’ve been saving up, for example, you can employ that as part of your strategy to buy a great home, secure a great interest rate, and rebuild your credit.

If you would like more information from Matt, you can give him a call at [phone] ext. 202. If you have any questions for me about this topic, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I’d be glad to assist you.