How soon can one purchase a house again after a short sale?
There was in the past a time when not everybody had even hard the term “short sale,” not to mention sold a home that way. Today, with the recession dragging on for a long time, and the economy lethargic, it’s practically a household expression.
Time has marched on, and thousands and thousands of property owners have sold their house through a short sale. Thus, consumers want to know how soon they can own a home loan again after a short sale.
There can be quite a bit of misinformation and misunderstandings about the effects of selling your property through a short sale, but the answer simply speaking is very simple: You can own a property again usually 24 months after short selling your previous property. Situations will vary, and there isn’t a cast in stone rule, but it is practical legally to do it.
For you to have the best chance of buying a home again after two years have passed from your short sale, you need to follow some very simple tips to getting your credit back in shape.
First, be certain that your credit report reads the loan on your property was “Satisfied.” Formally, it was, even if they received a lot less than the amount borrowed, because they agreed to do so. They could have rejected the offer and foreclosed on the home.
Second, make sure you send all payments in a timely manner without fail. No matter which charge cards you might have, pay them consistently (and pay them off ASAP!).
Third, be certain your debt to credit limit ratio on any individual credit line, and on all lines of credit put together, is no more than 50%. This will show you are a good credit risk and tend not to take on too much debt.
Fourth, continue to keep at least three different trade lines of credit. A trade line is a kind of credit, like a car payment vs. a credit card vs. a cell phone. Wireless phone and Internet service accounts are viable trade lines, as are college loans, and any personal debt. You should demonstrate a balance between opening and managing credit accounts and paying them down so you don’t become loaded down with debt.
And fifth, check your credit ranking well before you make an application for a mortgage to help you find any irregularities and get them corrected. You don’t have to use expensive “credit restoration” services. Just get your finances sorted out and maintain them this way and your credit history will indicate your credit worthiness.
Mr. Harper is an author and expert specializing in topics such as Orlando real estate, Marco Island real estate, and other real estate topics. He publishes a free e-newsletter on real estate marketing tips to help small business clients succeed.