Can I Buy a House after a Short Sale or Foreclosure?

Short Sales 101

This is a common question among distressed homeowners we work with. It’s an easy question to ask, but the answer is complicated and constantly changing.

There are many variables involved when trying to figure out when someone will be able to purchase a home after a foreclosure or a short sale; however, the general guidelines that FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac follow when considering a loan after a short sale or foreclosure are:

Short Sale with FHA loan
• Can purchase right away with no mortgage default/late payments
• 3 year wait if in default or late payments at the closing
• Reduced wait if the borrower has re-established good credit and can show more qualifying circumstances *

Short Sale with Fannie Mae Loan
• 2 year wait if the borrower puts 20 % down
• 4 year wait if the borrower puts between 10% to 20% down
• 7 year wait if the borrower puts less than 10% down
• 2 year wait if the borrower can show extenuating circumstances and puts more than 10% down *

Short Sale with Freddie Mac Loan
• 4 year wait before being able to get a loan
• 2 year wait if the borrower can show extenuating circumstances *

Foreclosure with an FHA Loan
• 3 year wait before being able to get a loan
• Reduced wait if the borrower can show extenuating circumstances and re-establishes good credit *

Foreclosure with a Fannie Mae Loan
• 7 year wait from the completed foreclosure sale date
• 3 year wait if the borrower can show extenuating circumstances. Additional underwriting requirements apply for 4 years after a 3 year waiting period.
• 7 year wait for a 2nd home, cash out re-financing, or an investment property

Foreclosure with a Freddie Mac Loan
• 5 year wait from the completed foreclosure sale date
• 3 year wait if the borrower can show extenuating circumstances *

*Qualifying/Extenuating circumstances are not applicable in most situations

This list does not cover all circumstances so always talk with an experienced mortgage professional about your specific situation.

Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR

Source: Townsquare Financial

About Tom Branch

Tom Branch has written 597 posts in this blog.


Have you ever just met someone, but felt you like you'd known him for years? That's what most people experience with Tom. He has a knack for making folks feel right at home. After 21 years in the Air Force, loyalty and honesty are the foundation of everything Tom does. In addition to being a Texas Real Estate Broker, Tom is a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and a Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR).