6 tips for getting a home equity loan after bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy can be a challenging and overwhelming period in your financial journey. But while the bankruptcy process can be tough, and can result in serious financial hurdles, it’s also a relatively common option to choose. For example, annual bankruptcy filings totaled 452,990 in 2023, according to a report from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts — an increase of nearly 17% compared to 2022, when 387,721 bankruptcy cases were filed. 

Given the current challenges posed by today’s economic environment, the increase in bankruptcy filings year-over-year makes sense. For starters, persistent inflation issues have led to higher prices on consumer goods, causing budgets to be stretched thin. And, the current high-rate environment has led to hefty borrowing costs across the board, putting even more strain on many people’s finances. 

But if you’ve filed for bankruptcy recently — or are planning to — it’s important to understand that bankruptcy does not have to be a dead end. In fact, it can be a starting point for rebuilding your financial health, and if you’re a homeowner, obtaining a home equity loan may be a crucial step in that process. That said, it won’t be an easy path to securing a home equity loan after bankruptcy, but the below tips can help.

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6 tips for getting a home equity loan after bankruptcy

Getting a home equity loan after a bankruptcy can be difficult but there are ways you can improve your chances of approval. Specifically, borrowers will want to:

Understand the timing

Bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for anywhere from seven to 10 years, depending on the type of bankruptcy filed. While this…