Mortgage After Bankruptcy Calculator
Know exactly when you can buy a home after Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. See waiting periods for every loan program, track your credit recovery, and estimate your rate with bankruptcy history.
Mortgage After Bankruptcy Calculator
Find out exactly when you can get a mortgage after bankruptcy. See waiting periods for each loan program, your earliest eligible date, and estimated rate with bankruptcy history.
Waiting period status for each loan program after your Chapter 7 discharge.
The bankruptcy rate premium typically declines over time as lenders see more post-BK payment history.
How to Use This Mortgage After Bankruptcy Calculator
Select your bankruptcy chapter, enter your discharge date, and provide your current credit score and income. The calculator shows your waiting period status for each loan program, your earliest eligible date, and an estimated rate based on both your bankruptcy history and current credit score.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13
Chapter 7 (liquidation) eliminates most debts in 3–6 months. Waiting periods are longer: 4 years for conventional, 2 years for FHA and VA. Chapter 13 (reorganization) involves a 3–5 year repayment plan and has shorter waiting periods because you demonstrated ability to manage debt — 12 months of plan payments can open FHA and VA.
Discharge Date Input
For Chapter 7, use the discharge date (typically 60–90 days after filing). For Chapter 13, use either your earliest plan start date (for FHA/VA during-plan eligibility) or the actual discharge date. Most waiting periods are measured from discharge, not filing.
Rate Estimation
The estimated rate adds two premiums above the best market rate: a bankruptcy recency premium (highest right after discharge, declining to near-zero after 5+ years) and a credit score tier premium. Together these determine your realistic borrowing cost.
Waiting Period Reference Table
VA Loan: Chapter 7 = 2 years from discharge | Chapter 13 = 1 year in plan + trustee approval
USDA Loan: Chapter 7 = 3 years from discharge | Chapter 13 = 1 year in plan
Conventional: Chapter 7 = 4 years from discharge | Chapter 13 = 2 years from discharge
Extenuating Circumstances (documented job loss, medical):
Conventional Ch.7 reduces from 4 to 2 years
FHA Ch.7 reduces from 2 to 1 year with HUD housing counseling
Rate Premium = BK Recency Premium (0–2%) + Credit Score Tier Premium (0–1.75%)
Example: Chapter 7 discharged 26 months ago, credit score 650. Eligible for FHA (2 year wait passed) and VA but not yet conventional (need 4 years). Rate: base 6.75% + 1.5% BK premium + 1.0% score premium = 9.25%. At 36 months past discharge with a 690 score: 8.25%. At 48 months with 720 score: 7.5%.
Example: Jennifer's Recovery Timeline
Jennifer: Chapter 7 Discharged 18 Months Ago
| Bankruptcy Type | Chapter 7 |
| Discharge Date | 18 months ago |
| Current Credit Score | 628 (was 530 at discharge) |
| FHA Eligible | In 6 months (24-month wait) |
| VA Eligible (veteran) | In 6 months (24-month wait) |
| Conventional Eligible | In 30 months (48-month wait) |
| Target Home Price | $280,000 |
| Rate at FHA Eligibility | ~9.0% (6.75% + 2% BK + 0.25% score) |
| Rate at Conventional (4 yrs) | ~7.5% (6.75% + 0.5% BK + 0.25% score) |
| Monthly Payment Difference | $285/month less at conventional eligibility |
Jennifer's strategy: In the next 6 months, she is rebuilding credit (secured cards, credit builder loan), saving for a larger down payment, and will apply for FHA immediately at month 24. She expects her score to be 660 by then — still FHA territory with a reduced rate premium. She plans to refinance into a conventional loan at year 4 when the full BK premium clears from her rate.