# Can You Buy a House After Bankruptcy? Canonical URL: https://valor.mortgage/answers/can-i-buy-a-house-after-bankruptcy/ Page title: Can You Buy a House After Bankruptcy? | Valor Mortgage By [Christopher Armantrout](https://valor.mortgage/about-us/), Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · NMLS [#1210804](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/INDIVIDUAL/1210804) Last updated November 5, 2026 Rules accurate as of November 2026 Quick answer Yes, a past bankruptcy doesn’t automatically stop you. Most programs have a waiting period that depends on the type of bankruptcy and the loan. After a Chapter 7 discharge, the usual wait is two years for FHA and VA, three for USDA and four for conventional. Chapter 13 can sometimes be sooner, and you also have to show you have rebuilt or kept up your credit. Rules on this page were checked on November 5, 2026 against HUD Handbook 4000.1, VA Pamphlet 26-7, USDA Handbook HB-1-3555 and the Fannie Mae Selling Guide. Program terms are subject to agency and lender guidelines and may change, and individual lenders can set stricter rules. ## Does a bankruptcy disqualify you? April 6, 2026 · 26 seconds · [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/S_xb16YMCmY) **Transcript:** If you've had a bankruptcy in your past, does it disqualify you from being able to buy a home? No, it doesn't. Not necessarily. There are several conditions that we would have to walk you through to be able to determine if it's possible. Bankruptcies come in different forms, and so understanding what type of bankruptcy was it, was there a house included in the bankruptcy, and several other factors. If you've got more questions, I'd be more than happy to talk with you. So give us a call so that when you do buy, you buy with confidence and you buy with Valor. Waiting periods depend on the bankruptcy chapter, dates and the loan program. Meeting a waiting period doesn’t by itself mean a loan will be approved. ## How long is the wait after bankruptcy? | Loan | Chapter 7 | Chapter 13 | |---|---|---| | [FHA](https://valor.mortgage/fha-loans/) | 2 years from discharge; 12 to 24 months may work with documented extenuating circumstances | After 12 months of on-time plan payments, with court permission to take on the mortgage | | [VA](https://valor.mortgage/va-loans/) | Over 2 years from discharge may be disregarded; 1 to 2 years only with re-established credit and verified circumstances beyond your control | After at least 12 months of plan payments, with trustee or judge approval | | [USDA](https://valor.mortgage/usda-loan/) | 3 years from discharge, unless an exception applies | After 12 months of satisfactory plan payments, with required approval | | [Conventional](https://valor.mortgage/conventional-loans/) | 4 years from discharge or dismissal; 2 with documented extenuating circumstances | 2 years from discharge; 4 from dismissal, or 2 with extenuating circumstances | Program rules as summarized from the sources below. Lenders can set stricter rules, and an automated underwriting result can affect how a file is reviewed. More than one bankruptcy can mean a longer wait. ## What does a lender ask about the bankruptcy? As Christopher says in the video, it starts with the details: what type of bankruptcy it was, and whether a house was included. Expect questions about: - The filing and discharge or dismissal dates - Any home included in the bankruptcy, and when it left your name - What caused it, and whether it’s likely to happen again - Your credit and payment history since then Keep your bankruptcy petition and discharge papers handy. If the credit report doesn’t verify the date, a lender may ask for them. ## What counts as extenuating circumstances? Generally, a one-time event outside your control, such as a serious illness or the death of a wage earner, that you can document. Each program defines this differently, and it’s reviewed case by case. Being overextended on credit usually doesn’t qualify. ## How do you get ready during the wait? - Pay every bill on time. [Payment history is the largest part of a FICO score](https://valor.mortgage/answers/what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house/#improve). - Check that debts included in the bankruptcy report correctly. - Save for your down payment, closing costs and possible reserves. - Talk with a loan officer early, so you know your date for each program. ## Bankruptcy FAQ ### Can I buy a house while still in Chapter 13? Possibly. FHA, VA and USDA can consider it after 12 months of satisfactory plan payments, with approval from the court or trustee as each program requires. Conventional loans generally wait until after discharge or dismissal. ### When does the waiting period start? It depends on the program and chapter, but it’s generally measured from the discharge or dismissal date, not the filing date. ### Do I still need a minimum credit score after the wait? Yes. The waiting period is only one requirement. See [what score each program looks for](https://valor.mortgage/answers/what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house/). ## Where these rules come from | Rule or figure | Source | As of | |---|---|---| | FHA waiting periods | [HUD Handbook 4000.1](https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/single-family-handbook-4000-1) | Nov 5, 2026 | | VA credit rules | [VA Pamphlet 26-7, Chapter 4](https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000330850/VA-Pamphlet-VAP26-7-Chapter-04-Credit-Underwriting) | Nov 5, 2026 | | USDA credit rules | [USDA Handbook HB-1-3555, Chapter 10](https://usdalinc.sc.egov.usda.gov/docs/rd/sfh/3555/ByIndividualChapter/Chapter10_Credit_Analysis_DRAFT.pdf) | Nov 5, 2026 | | Conventional waiting periods | [Fannie Mae Selling Guide B3-5.3-07](https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/sel/b3-5.3-07/significant-derogatory-credit-events-waiting-periods-and-re-establishing-credit) | Nov 5, 2026 | ## Related answers and guides - [Can you buy a house after foreclosure?](https://valor.mortgage/answers/can-i-buy-a-house-after-foreclosure/) - [What credit score do you need to buy a house?](https://valor.mortgage/answers/what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house/) - [What can you do if you can’t pay your mortgage?](https://valor.mortgage/answers/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-mortgage-in-tennessee/) - [More answers on credit and qualifying](https://valor.mortgage/answers/#credit). - [About Christopher Armantrout](https://valor.mortgage/about-us/). [Call me at (615) 671-9178](tel:+16156719178). That’s the fastest way to get a straight answer on what you’d qualify for and when you could qualify after a bankruptcy. If it’s after hours, [grab a time on my calendar](https://valor.mortgage/book-your-appointment/). Pick a slot that works and I’ll call you then. If your life is too chaotic for a phone call right now — I understand — [start an application](https://valor.mortgage/purchase/) and I’ll review it and reach out with a plan. About the author [Christopher Armantrout](https://valor.mortgage/about-us/) Owner & Senior Loan Officer, Valor Mortgage NMLS #1210804 Christopher is a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator in the State of Tennessee and has been originating home loans since 2015. He founded Valor Mortgage in Springfield in 2019 and works with veterans, first-time buyers, self-employed borrowers, and families across Robertson County and Middle Tennessee. [More about Christopher](https://valor.mortgage/about-us/) [Verify this license on NMLS](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/INDIVIDUAL/1210804) **Valor Mortgage, LLC** · Christopher Armantrout, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1210804 · Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC, NMLS #1249911 · Licensed in Tennessee · Equal Housing Opportunity 724 S Main St, Springfield, TN 37172 · (615) 671-9178 · christopher@valor.mortgage · [NMLS Consumer Access](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/INDIVIDUAL/1210804) The dollar figures on this page are illustrative examples for general information only and are not an offer, a rate quote, or a commitment to lend. Actual interest rates and APRs vary based on loan program, borrower qualifications, property, market conditions and other factors. Program fees, limits and terms are set by the agencies named above and change without notice; all loans are subject to credit approval, income verification and property appraisal. Not all applicants will qualify. --- ## Contact Valor Mortgage - Christopher Armantrout, Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #1210804 - Phone: [(615) 671-9178](tel:+16156719178) - Email: [christopher@valor.mortgage](mailto:christopher@valor.mortgage) - Office: 724 S Main St, Springfield, TN 37172 - [Book an appointment](https://valor.mortgage/book-your-appointment/) · [Apply online](https://valor.mortgage/purchase/) · [Contact page](https://valor.mortgage/contact-us/) Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC, NMLS #1249911 ([NMLS Consumer Access](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/1249911)). Christopher Armantrout, Loan Officer, NMLS #1210804. Licensed in Tennessee. Equal Housing Opportunity. All loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Loan approval is based on borrower qualification, credit review, income verification, and property eligibility. Not all applicants will qualify. Not a commitment to lend.