What Happens to My Credit?

Geraci Law answers 5 common questions about credit after filing for bankruptcy. What is “good” credit?

When can I apply for credit?

You can apply for credit after your case is discharged and closed.  But should you apply for credit? You do not want to find yourself in the same position you just discharged in bankruptcy. You are a credit risk immediately after filing for bankruptcy. Creditors KNOW you filed for bankruptcy and after bankruptcy you have limited bankruptcy relief options. These creditors prey on you because you are a credit risk so you WILL get loan offers.

Any credit preapproval you receive will usually come with high interest rates. It may be better to NOT use credit. SAVE money, make house/car payments ON TIME, stay away from the high-interest credit debt and personal loans.

When can I buy a house?

You can apply for a home loan after your case is discharged and closed. Some people are approved while they are IN a bankruptcy. FHA loans might be an option. For a conventional loan, usually its two years after a bankruptcy discharge. Geraci Law is here to help with the process. If you need your bankruptcy paperwork – YEARS down the road, you can log into your Geraci Law Client Corner account to print. You can also search Geraci Law in your app store on your phone to download our Geraci Law app.

What happens to my credit score after filing Chapter 7? Chapter 13?

In your post-bankruptcy life, you should focus on rebuilding financially. Start with a savings account and build an emergency fund. If you have a car payment or mortgage payment, continue to make those payments ON TIME to work to reestablish a payment history.

You will get credit offers in the mail – do your research! Look at the interest rates – if you are going to use the credit, then make sure you pay off what you borrow every month. Do not accept the first offer that comes your way. Review the small print, stay away from the predatory lenders.

When can I buy a car?

After the bankruptcy is discharged and closed you can buy a car. If you are in a Chapter 13 right now, you need court approval if you are looking to FINANCE a vehicle. Craig’s List is a great option to buy a car for cash. You’ll get advertisements from car lots in the mail after bankruptcy – make sure to review the terms. Avoid the high interest, older vehicles without a warranty.

How do I rebuild credit?

• Pay all of your bills on time! Timely payments prevent late charges and helps you reestablish a payment history.
• Make sure all of your creditors are reporting to the three major credit agencies (Experian, Transunion, Equifax).
• Dispute incorrect items on your credit report. Don’t ignore your credit report! All agencies have options to dispute right on their web site, make sure to follow up.
• Make a large down payment – making a large down payment on any kind of credit make lenders more likely to grant a loan. Your goal should be to put down 20% of the total cost.
• A small secured credit card is a really great way to build credit with very little risk.

• Dial 1-800-CALL-PFG for a free phone mini-consultation, or make an appointment online 24/7 at www.infotapes.com.  Bankruptcy laws are in place to help you.  Who knows bankruptcy like Geraci Law?  Geraci Law has 25,000 5-star reviews since November 2016!

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