There was previously a time when nobody had heard of a “short sale,” not to mention experienced one firsthand. Currently, with the housing market softness going on for several years, and the economy sluggish, it’s nearly a household expression.
Times have changed, and many thousands of property owners have sold their house through a short sale. Because of this, families need to know how quickly they can own a home loan again after a short sale.
There is actually a good deal of misinformation and misconceptions about the effects of selling your home via short sale, but the answer basically is very simple: You can get a property again normally a couple of years following short selling your previous house. Situations differ, and there really isn’t a definite rule, but it is feasible realistically to achieve it.
So that you 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 history reads the bank loan on your residence was “Satisfied.” Technically, it was, even if they accepted a lot less than the amount of the loan, because they agreed to it. The bank could have said ‘no’ and taken ownership of the home.
Second, always make sure that you send all payments in time without exception. Whichever charge cards you might have, pay them religiously (and pay them off as soon as possible!).
Third, ensure your debt to credit limit ratio on any individual credit line, and on all credit lines combined, is down below 50%. This demonstrates you are a good credit risk and normally do not overextend yourself.
Fourth, keep at least three trade lines of credit. A trade line is a class of credit, like a car payment vs. a credit card vs. a cell phone. Cell phone accounts are applicable trade lines, as are school loans, and any personal debt. You should exhibit a balance between opening and managing credit accounts and paying them off so you don’t get overloaded with debt.
And fifth, check your fico scores well before you fill out an application for a home finance loan to help you to find any errors and get them straightened out. You don’t need to use high priced “credit restoration” services. Simply get your finances sorted out and always keep them that way and your credit standing will indicate your credit worthiness.
Mr. Harper is an author and coach focusing on topics such as Minneapolis condos, Minneapolis real estate, and other real estate topics. He publishes a free newsletter on real estate marketing tips to help small business clients succeed.
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