A 3rd party broker that specializes in mortgages guaranteed by the US government

VA Loan Approval After Bankruptcy or Foreclosure

In recent years, an economic downturn and slow national recovery have made bankruptcy and foreclosure relatively common experiences among the American public. These are difficult monetary situations, and although a stigma remains, they are hardly a financial catastrophe. Contrary to common belief, you can receive full loan approval regardless of foreclosure or bankruptcy. In some cases (Chapter 13), an eligible recipient may in fact receive a loan even while in bankruptcy.

The Department of Veteran Affairs has established the following rules for loan approval.

https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/short-sale-military-mortgage-may-help-struggling-homeowners/VA Loan approval with Chapter 7 bankruptcy:

– The borrower must have no late payments since the bankruptcy filing.
– The borrower must have no derogatory credit (new collections, lates) since the bankruptcy.
– The borrower must have a minimum minimum credit score of 620.
– A minimum of 2 years must pass from the date of discharge.

VA Loan approval with Chapter 13 bankruptcy:

– A minimum of 12 months must pass from the date of bankruptcy initiation.
– Must maintain a satisfactory performance of the bankruptcy repayment plan.
– The borrower must have no late payments after the date of the 341 (meeting of creditors and Trustee).
– The Trustee or court must approve the acquisition of new debt if the borrower is still in bankruptcy.
– The borrower must have no derogatory credit (new collections) from the date of formal bankruptcy.
– The borrower must have a minimum credit score of 620.

VA Loan approval with Foreclosure:

– A minimum of 24 months must pass from the date of the completed foreclosure.
– The borrower must have no late payments after the date of property transfer.
– The borrower must have no derogatory credit (new collections) from the date of foreclosure.
– The borrower must have a minimum credit score of 620.

VA Loan Approval After a Short Sale or Short Pay Off:

– If the short payoff or short sale was not a defaulted mortgage and the payments were current at the time of sale, a borrower may apply for a VA loan immediately.

If the borrower defaulted, a minimum of 24 months must pass from the date of escrow closing, recordation of deed to new owner.

– The borrower must have no late payments after the date of sale (closing).
– The borrower must have no derogatory credit (new collections) from the date of sale (closing).
– The borrower must have a middle credit score of 620 
– The borrower must not be delinquent on any other consumer

These guidelines are the basis for loan approval. Each loan investor may have their own loan program overlay that may differentiate from the data herein. 

More VA information: