Required Waiting Periods for Major Credit Issues

Derogatory Item |
Conventional Waiting Periods (determined by application date) |
Foreclosure |
Home was given back to the bank – No owner participation · 7 years from date of foreclosure completed and transferred back to bank if they had NO extenuating circumstances · 3 years from date foreclosure completed and transferred back to bank with acceptable extenuating circumstances1 AND 10% Down Payment. Primary home purchase and rate/term refinance only. Non-Owner and second homes not allowed. |
Short Sale Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure | Short Sale: Home sold but sales prices didn’t cover amount owed Deed in Lieu: Home returned to lender in exchange for canceling the loan · 7 years from date sale closed and transferred to new owner or transferred bank for less than 10% down payment · 4 years from date sale closed and transferred to new owner or transferred back to bank with 10% down payment · 2 years from date sale closed and transferred back to new owner or transferred back to bank with 20% down payment · 2 years from date sale closed and transferred to new owner or transferred back to bank possible with acceptable extenuating circumstances and 10% down payment. |
Bankruptcy Chapter 7 | Debts are discharged through BK, client does not pay any debts owing · 4 years from discharge date · 2 years from discharge date possible with acceptable extenuating circumstances. |
Bankruptcy Chapter 13 | Debts are paid back on a monthly scheduled payment plan by client · 2 years from discharged date · 4 years from dismissal date. |
Derogatory Item |
FHA Waiting Periods (determined by date of credit approval) |
Foreclosure Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure |
Home was given back to the bank – No owner participation Deed in Lieu: Home returned to lender in exchange for canceling the loan · 3 years from date foreclosure completed and transferred back to bank · Less than 2 years, but not less than 12 months from date foreclosure completed and transferred back to bank may be acceptable if the result of acceptable extenuating circumstances. |
Short Sale |
Short Sale: Home sold but sales prices didn’t cover amount owed · 3 years from date sale closed and transferred to new owner. · No waiting period if borrower had no late payments on any mortgages and consumer debts within the 12 month period preceding the short sale AND they are not taking advantage of declining market conditions. |
Bankruptcy Chapter 7 |
Debts are discharged through BK, client does not pay any debts owing · 2 years from date of discharge with re-established credit paid as agreed or no new credit obligations incurred · Less than 2 years but not less than 12 months from date of discharge may be acceptable if the bankruptcy was caused by acceptable extenuating circumstances and borrower has since exhibited a documented ability to manage financial affairs in a responsible manner. |
Bankruptcy Chapter 13 |
Debts are paid back on a monthly scheduled payment plan by client · 1 year payout period under bankruptcy has elapsed and the borrower’s payment has been satisfactory and all required payments made on time. |
Derogatory Item |
VA Waiting Periods (determined by date of credit approval) |
Foreclosure Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure |
Home was given back to the bank – No owner participation Deed in Lieu: Home returned to lender in exchange for canceling the loan · 2 years from date of foreclosure completed and transferred back to bank · 12-23 months from date foreclosure completed and transferred back to bank if credit re-established and paid as agreed and was caused by acceptable extenuating circumstances. |
Short Sale |
Short Sale: Home sold but sales prices didn’t cover amount owed · 2 years from date sale closed and transferred to new owner · No waiting period if borrower had no late payments on any mortgages and consumer debts within the 12 month period preceding the short sale AND they are not taking advantage of declining market conditions. |
Bankruptcy Chapter 7 |
Debts are discharged through BK, client does not pay any debts owing · 2 years from date of discharge · 12-23 months from date of discharge if credit re-established and paid as agreed and was caused by acceptable extenuating circumstances. |
Bankruptcy Chapter 13 | Debts are paid back on a monthly scheduled payment plan by client · 1 year pay out period under bankruptcy has elapsed and the borrower’s payment performance has been satisfactory and all required payments made on time. |
Derogatory Item |
USDA Waiting Periods (determined by date of credit approval) |
Foreclosure Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Short Sale |
Home was given back to the bank – No owner participation Deed in Lieu: Home returned to lender in exchange for canceling the loan Short Sale: Home sold but sales prices didn’t cover amount owed · 3 years from date of foreclosure was completed and transferred back to bank · Less than 3 years from date the foreclosure was completed and transferred back to bank may be considered with acceptable extenuating circumstances. |
Bankruptcy Chapter 7 |
Debts are discharged through BK, client does not pay any debts owing · 3 years from date of discharge · Less than 3 years from date of discharge may be considered with acceptable extenuating circumstances. |
Bankruptcy Chapter 13 |
Debts are paid back on a monthly scheduled payment plan by client · 1 year from the date repayment was completed ad bankrupty discharged · Less than 1 year from the date of discharge may be considered with acceptable extenuating circumstances. |
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