Home  /  Loan Programs  /  Credit Rebuild & Re-Entry
Credit Path

A clear roadmap back to qualifying.

A past bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale doesn't mean the door is closed permanently. It means there's a specific, knowable timeline back to qualifying — and Tom's job is to map it out clearly so you know exactly where you stand.

Waiting periods after a credit event vary by the type of event, the loan program you're targeting, and sometimes the circumstances involved. Conventional, FHA, and VA loans each have their own seasoning requirements, and some allow shorter waiting periods when the event was tied to documented extenuating circumstances.

Rather than a vague “wait a few years and try again,” this is about building an actual plan: confirming which waiting period applies to your situation, what needs to happen with your credit in the meantime, and when you'll realistically be ready to qualify again.

Highlights

What makes this program work.

Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 Paths

Waiting periods differ by chapter and by loan program — typically shorter for FHA/VA than conventional.

Foreclosure

Program-Specific Timelines

Foreclosure seasoning requirements vary significantly by loan type, and extenuating circumstances can sometimes shorten them.

Short Sale

A Faster Path in Some Cases

Short sales are often treated somewhat more favorably than a full foreclosure, depending on the program.

Credit Building

Specific, Actionable Steps

Concrete guidance on what to do with your credit during the waiting period, not just time passing.

Extenuating Circumstances

Documented Exceptions

Some programs allow reduced waiting periods when the credit event was tied to a documented hardship.

Re-Entry Planning

Know Your Target Date

A clear, specific date you're working toward, not an open-ended “someday.”

Good Fit If

Is this the right fit?

  • You've been through a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale and want a real timeline back
  • You're not sure which waiting period actually applies to your situation
  • You want specific steps to take now, not just time to wait out
  • You may qualify for a shorter waiting period due to documented extenuating circumstances
TM
Common Questions

What borrowers ask about this program.

How long after Chapter 7 bankruptcy can I qualify for a mortgage?

Typical waiting periods run roughly 2 years for FHA or VA financing and around 4 years for conventional, measured from the discharge date — though exact requirements vary and it's worth confirming your specific timeline directly with Tom.

How long after a foreclosure can I buy again?

Waiting periods commonly range from about 2 years (VA) to 3 years (FHA) to as long as 7 years (conventional, though sometimes reduced to 3 years for documented extenuating circumstances). These are general guidelines — confirm specifics for your situation.

Does a short sale affect the waiting period differently than a foreclosure?

Often, yes — short sales are sometimes treated somewhat more favorably than a full foreclosure depending on the loan program, though the exact difference depends on your full credit picture.

What can I do to speed up my re-entry timeline?

Consistent on-time payments, reducing other debt, and documenting any extenuating circumstances around the original event can all help. Tom can lay out the specific steps that matter most for your situation.

Ready to talk through your scenario?

Tom will walk you through real numbers for your situation — no pressure, no obligation.

Start Your Application