Our team has developed extensive expertise helping thousands of clients after their bankruptcy. Below is our proven step-by-step process for refinancing or buying a house after a bankruptcy. See much more below.
Securing a mortgage while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy is possible—but it requires approval from your bankruptcy trustee and, in most cases, the bankruptcy court. The process begins with notifying your trustee of your intent to apply for a mortgage. You’ll typically need to provide a Pre-Qualification Letter from a lender, along with updated financial information to show the new monthly mortgage payment is affordable within your repayment plan.
Once the trustee reviews your request for new debt, they will assess whether it’s reasonable, beneficial, and in compliance with your bankruptcy terms. This review includes confirming that the mortgage application is not fraudulent, and that it aligns with your repayment obligations. If the trustee agrees, your bankruptcy attorney will then file a motion to incur new debt with the court.
The bankruptcy court must approve the motion before you can move forward with the loan. At Janus Mortgage, we work closely with your attorney and trustee to ensure every step of the process is handled efficiently and in compliance with Chapter 13 rules.
Our Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Division offers mortgages as soon as 12 months into your Chapter 13 Plan with trustee approval. We also offer home loans 1 day after a completed Chapter 13 Bankruptcy plan without having to receive trustee approval.
How is Janus Mortgage able to help when I have been turned down by other lenders?
Different lenders have different regulations for their lending criteria. Janus Mortgage, has developed a division specifically for clients who have filed for bankruptcy. We have created products and options customized to fit the needs of our clients who are seeking to buy a home after bankruptcy. Our team is willing and able to put in the time, and effort that most institutions are not willing to devote. We are proud to be the leading company for mortgages after bankruptcy. We pride ourselves in being a trusted resource for people who are in the position of purchasing or refinancing a home after bankruptcy.
What kind of interest rate should I expect after a Bankruptcy plan?
Many clients who are currently completing, or are coming out of a bankruptcy plan have been stuck with high rates for years during their bankruptcy plan. Home loan interest rates are determined by the market, and a borrower’s unique qualifying criteria. Our clients are often pleasantly surprised when they see the mortgage rate for which they qualify. Our bankruptcy home loan division takes pride in offering highly competitive home loan rates to all of our clientele, which includes those interested in obtaining a mortgage after bankruptcy.
What happens if I don’t quite qualify for your Bankruptcy Division program?
Mortgage after bankruptcy is an obtainable goal, and we are dedicated to helping our client’s purchase or refinance a home after bankruptcy. If we can’t help a client immediately, we provide a path to success by working tirelessly with our borrowers to address the areas that are holding them back. Janus Mortgage is here to help you reach your home ownership and mortgage goals.
Are there extra fees that come with the Chapter 13 home loans?
Completing a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy plan is an impressive feat that demonstrates a borrower’s commitment to fiscal discipline and personal responsibility. There are no extra fees associated with getting a mortgage after bankruptcy. Lastly, we treat all our clients fairly and with respect.
What type of home loans are available after bankruptcy?
We also offer a wide variety of home loan programs specifically tailored to borrowers who are buying a house after bankruptcy. For that reason, we work with all kinds of financial situations: conventional mortgages, VA home loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, portfolio loans, jumbo loans, and more! After an in depth analysis, we will present the best available home loan programs, with the best terms, at lowest possible bottom line to you.
What is the difference between a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a liquidation bankruptcy where you sell your assets to pay off your debts, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a reorganization bankruptcy where you pay off your debts over a 3-5 year period through a repayment plan. And yes, we can do a mortgage after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Can I still get a mortgage loan if I have a foreclosure on my credit report?
Yes, you can still get a mortgage loan if you have a foreclosure on your credit report, but waiting periods vary by loan product. FHA requires a 3-year wait, VA requires a 2- year wait, and conventional loans require a 7-year wait (or less if the property was surrendered in the bankruptcy plan).
Getting a mortgage during an active Chapter 13 bankruptcy may seem complex—but with the right guidance and lender, it’s entirely possible. At Janus Mortgage, we specialize in navigating this process and work closely with your trustee and bankruptcy attorney to ensure compliance every step of the way.
1. Initial Consultation - We begin with a personalized consultation to understand your unique financial situation, bankruptcy timeline, and homeownership goals. This allows us to determine whether you’re eligible for a Chapter 13 mortgage loan and what loan products best fit your needs.
2. Strategic Mortgage Planning - Next, we analyze how a new mortgage aligns with your bankruptcy repayment plan and long-term financial health. Our goal is to ensure the loan improves—not hinders—your current situation.
3. Preliminary Application Review - We’ll review your mortgage application to confirm that your proposed monthly payment is affordable and beneficial, increasing the likelihood of trustee and court approval.
4. Gathering Trustee-Required Documents - Different trustees request different documents. Based on our experience with Chapter 13 cases across jurisdictions, we’ll provide a customized set of lender and loan documents for your bankruptcy trustee’s review.
5. Mortgage Application Submission - Once trustee approval is granted, you can complete your mortgage application through our secure online portal, over the phone, or in person—whichever works best for you.
6. 3-Bureau Credit Report Analysis - We order a 3-in-1 credit report (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to evaluate your credit standing. This step is especially important in Chapter 13 cases, where outdated or incorrect credit data is common. We’ll guide you in correcting errors that could affect your loan approval.
7. Loan Submission & Underwriting - Your completed loan package is submitted to underwriting. Occasionally, underwriters may request additional documentation related to your bankruptcy. We handle these conditions quickly to keep your process on track.
8. Final Approval & Closing Preparation - After underwriting clears the loan, we prepare final documentation, including escrow instructions, insurance details, and closing disclosures. We coordinate with your closing attorney or escrow agent to set a signing date.
9. Closing & Post-Closing Support - Once your loan closes, you’ve officially completed one of the most challenging steps in post-bankruptcy recovery. All documents will be reviewed, signed, and notarized. But our support doesn’t end there.
10. Ongoing Client Support - We stay in touch after closing through annual mortgage reviews, quarterly newsletters, and personalized updates about market trends, refinance opportunities, and credit improvement strategies.
The short answer is:
“Yes”. You can get a mortgage while in bankruptcy. During any bankruptcy, there are a number of hurdles you may encounter when requesting new credit such as a mortgage. There are however ways to navigate these hurdles successfully. Here at Janus Mortgage, we specialize in assisting individuals who are struggling to get a mortgage during Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Learn more about how our bankruptcy mortgage division is able to help, and have you well on your way to getting a mortgage during bankruptcy.
Janus Mortgage is the premier mortgage broker in San Diego County. We have the home loan solution you need to make your home ownership dreams come true. Call us today to make an appointment to speak with a professional loan counselor.
Janus Mortgage is a mortgage broker licensed in the State of California and the State of South Dakota, under the auspices of the California Department of Real Estate license number 02038085 and the National Mortgage License Registry NMLS Number 1690954. All offers for loan programs are made for loans on California and South Dakota properties only. Disclaimer/Copyright Info: 2025 Copyright, Janus Mortgage – Terms and conditions apply.
All rates, programs and fees are subject to change and may not be available to all applicants. Janus Mortgage Corporation dba Janus Mortgage is an Equal Housing Lender. Please see our Privacy Policy about how we use personally identifiable you give us.
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