It is a general conception that getting a refinance loan after filing a bankruptcy is quite difficult. But you can avail a home loan provided you pay the interest at a slightly higher rate. Generally, lenders do not prefer taking the risk of offering mortgages to someone who has filed bankruptcy. But there are the subprime lenders who can offer you loans at higher interest rates, sometimes even after six months of finalizing your bankruptcy.
Filing a bankruptcy case affects your credit status as it reflects your inability to pay down your debts. A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy stays in your credit report for at least 7 years whereas Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is featured in the report for 10 years. But this does not mean that you wont be getting credit the only thing is that you wont qualify for a reasonable rate.
Generally, most lenders in the primary mortgage market will consider offering you the loan only after 2 years of filing for bankruptcy. But you need to be current on your bills during this period. You will be able to re-establish a better credit profile with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as it requires you to follow a repayment plan to become debt-free within 3 to 5...