Will I be able to purchase my first home?

Question

I just got married and I am 25 years old and $25,000 in credit card debt with $25,000 in student loans. My husband is 23 years old and declared bankruptcy 2 years ago. He has no debt but will also have $25,000 in loans when he graduates in May. I have consolidated all of my debt and I am currently paying $490/month to the consolidation company. I should be debt free within 4 years. I am also paying $105 to my student loan. I have a really well paying job as does my husband, however, we want to buy a home soon and I am worried that I won't be approved for a mortgage. I am currently paying $650/month in rent and would rather be paying a mortgage. We can probably afford $700-$800/month. I have looked into Ameridream where they provide you with a down payment. Should I be as worried as I am that we won't get a home in the near future? What can I do to get a home?

Sorry for the confusion. I have been paying the $490/month for over a year now towards the $25,000, so I have a little over 4 years left and now, less than $25,000 in credit card debt.

Answer 1

You have received some information about some lending available after BK & with low scores. I just want to add this because I feel that your best financing option is a fixed rate loan at a reasonable rate. Most of the others will be 2/28-fixed 2 yrs and then adjust every 6 months with a higher rate & margin.

FHA will finance 2 yrs out of BK and are not heavy on score but need to be high 500's, no lates after BK, re-established showing good payment history. FHA does participate in most all of the down payment assistance programs (there are others besides Ameridream),

Your biggest issues are going to be the debt to income ratio, housing to income ratio, and being realistic about the mortgage payment. Remember that a mortgage payment will be the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. Taxes tend to go up on a fairly regular basis so your mortgage payment will change everytime taxes change. Is the $700 to $800 a month payment going to include the taxes and insurance? Just some things to think over. If you came into my office to get pre-approved for a loan, these are questions I would be asking.

Answer 2

It depends on your credit and and your DTI (Debt to Income Ration).
What do you make? What does your husband make? What is your credit like?

If you have a middle score of 580 or better, you should be able to get 95-100% financing.

Most lenders will do up to a 50% DTI, meaning your debt plus your mortgage payment (490+150+800) can be half of your income. So you alone will need to make at least $3000 a month to get a loan. If your husband doesn't have too much debt then it sounds like you should be okay.

You can get a mortgage 1 day out of bankruptcy as long as your credit score is decent, by decent he will need to have at least a 560.

As long as you qualify for the above, you can get a mortgage.

Answer 3

You are the exact reason I started my blog. There are so many young consumers that have the smarts to recognize that if they are renting they are throwing money away....in any market.

If you and the husband are doing ok financially you will qualify for a home loan. I suggest focusing on getting the credit report where it needs to be to qualify for the best program possible.

Check my blog for info on timing the market and managing the credit scores. I will be posting information everyday that is helpful for this type of situation so bookmark the blog and check back often

Answer 4

Also, with your husbands declaration of bankruptcy, his name will only hinder you on the mortgage application. The qualification for an underwritten loan will only take your earnings and credit score into consideration as opposed to you both. Also, check the math again on your being debt free w/in 4 years. $490/month for 4 years does not even equate to $25,000.00. Is your loan interest free?

Answer 5

Most lenders provide no-money-down options these days. Beware that if you are unable to pay some of those debts, they can possibly down the road, but a lien on the house you buy. Just make sure your debts are resolved along the way, either by settlements or by the bankruptcy covering.

Answer 6

Lets see, you are, between you, come May 75K in debt. You husband declared bankruptcy two years ago. You feel that in four years you will be solvent. The bankruptcy has about five more years to go, before you can get credit again. I'd say that your chance of buying a house, will come in about six more years. That's if you chop up all your credit cards, and don't plan on immediate gratification of your wants.

Answer 7

Anyone can buy a home, but not with the history you have, not right now. It takes discipline and character to get back to ground zero.

Most places have a govt or non-profit agency that will counsel you and recommend courses of action. Check out a free seminar and put some time into learning. Develop a plan based on what you learn and in a couple years you will be able to buy a house.

Answer 8

they (the lenders) will base it on your debt to income ratio and it dosent sound good for you right now try to get your debt down a little first also go and talk to a lender they wont charge you and they will be able to tell you where you guys stand believe me if its possible, theres someone who will finance you two but they want to know the risk involved first also ther are some programs suited for first time homeowners

Answer 9

You guys have no chance for a mortgage with your history right now....My opinion is live in a cheap apartment for a bit...save up and then buy....plus you guys don't have to worry about making the mortgage payments on time

Answer 10

wow, good luck with that....you probably can get a home, you need to get prequalified first to see how much you will be afforded prior to house shopping, but as long as your credit, though you're in debt isn't bad you'll probably find some bank that will lend ya a little something