VA Home Loan, Short Sale, Foreclosure, and Bankruptcy Waiting Periods

1. VA Home Loan, Short Sale, Foreclosure, and Bankruptcy Waiting Periods There are a lot of questions that Veteran home buyers have as it relates to purchasing a home with the VA Home Loan benefit. This could not be truer regarding the waiting periods after a short sale, foreclosure and bankruptcy. The reality is that many Veterans were affected by the recent recession leaving millions with no choice other than to short sale, foreclose, or file for bankruptcy. Fast forward a couple of years and things finally seem to be getting better for our nation. Veterans who may have had a short sale, foreclosure or bankruptcy in the past find themselves considering purchasing a home again, but are unsure of the waiting periods required. Many people are quick to cite 3, 5, and I have even heard as many as 7 years after one of these events. So, which is it? Let’s look at what VA Home Loan guidelines say about this. Short Sale- The VA Home Loan does not have a specific policy on Short Sales. Lenders are to apply prudent underwriting practices when approving these loans. If the Veteran has had a short sale less than 2 years old and you are able to prove why it happened, and why it won’t happen again, you may be eligible before the 2-year typical waiting period for foreclosures and bankruptcy. Foreclosure- Typically a 2-year waiting period on a VA Home Loan. However, in some circumstances if you can prove that the reason behind the foreclosure was beyond the Veterans control you may be able to buy sooner. Keep in mind that the Veteran must have reestablished their credit after the event by demonstrating an on-time payment history. Bankruptcy- Same rules apply as foreclosure on a VA Home loan. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy- Must document 1 year of on time payment history to the Trustee. You must also provide a letter from the Trustee stating that obtaining a new VA Home Loan will not prohibit the Veteran from continuing to make the current monthly obligation required to be paid to the Trustee. So, there you have it Veterans. If you are in the market to purchase a home and have had an event in the past that you think will hold you back from buying, think again. You may be able to get out there and purchase today. Call me today at 602-908-5849 Thank you and may God bless you for your service to our great country! Semper Fidelis, Jimmy Vercellino