how can a lawyer help me buy a home immediately after chapter 7 in illinoise

by Jacques Conn 3 min read

Can I buy a home after Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

A New Home. In order to qualify for a home after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are going to have to put forth a little more time and effort. You should be working to rebuild your credit immediately after filing for bankruptcy (link to rebuilding your credit after chapter 7 bankruptcy).

How long after Chapter 7 can I get a mortgage?

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Can a Chapter 7 bankruptcy debtor have enough equity to sell?

Jul 09, 2020 · Contact a Round Lake Real Estate Attorney . Buying a home is one of the biggest financial purchases one can make. If you need assistance with purchasing real estate in Illinois, let a skilled and conscientious Lake County real estate lawyer help. Contact Newland & Newland, LLP today at 847-549-0000 to schedule a free phone consultation.

Will the bankruptcy trustee sell my home?

Working With a Lawyer in Illinois. Although Illinois does not require buyers to use a lawyer to prepare the purchase agreement and other paperwork related to buying a house, state custom does require that an attorney review the purchase agreement before finalizing the purchase. You might also want to work with an attorney in special situations ...

Does Illinois require a lawyer to buy a house?

Although Illinois does not require buyers to use a lawyer to prepare the purchase agreement and other paperwork related to buying a house, state custom does require that an attorney review the purchase agreement before finalizing the purchase.

How to buy a house in Illinois?

Before buying a house, condo, or other type of property in Illinois, you’ll probably want to contact a real estate agent. That person can help you locate the best home for your needs and handle all the complex procedures involved with the purchase. Some of the benefits of using a real estate agent include his or her: 1 knowledge of the community, median home prices, and market conditions 2 ability to match homes to your needs and budget 3 experience preparing a viable offer and handling other paperwork, and 4 central role in negotiating the final deal.

Should buyers rely solely on the seller's disclosures?

Buyers should not rely solely on the home seller's disclosures, but should hire an independent home inspector to examine the property. Even after having lived in the property, the seller is unlikely to know all its troubles, particularly if the areas such as the attic or subspace are difficult to access.

What is a purchase agreement?

A purchase agreement is a legal document containing important terms and conditions of your real estate transaction. It must be in writing and signed by both parties (buyer and seller), and include an offer to sell or purchase, an acceptance of the offer, the sale price, and an adequate description of the property.

What is disclosure form in Illinois?

State law in Illinois ( 765 Illinois Compiled Statutes §§ 77/5 and following) requires sellers to give buyers a filled-out disclosure form, which includes details on material defects or risky conditions or situations such as cracks in the foundation, unsafe drinking water, disputes with neighbors over boundary lines, past meth lab use, or a termite infestation, if they would affect the value of the property or the health or safety of occupants.

Do you need a title search before buying a home?

A buyer should always obtain a title search from a title company before purchasing a home (and if taking out a mortgage, will likely be required to do so by the lender). The company searches public records and other sources for any liens, easements (such as the utility company’s right to access part of the property), or other encumbrances or title restrictions that could affect your legal ability to own or use the property.

What are the benefits of using a real estate agent?

Some of the benefits of using a real estate agent include his or her : knowledge of the community, median home prices, and market conditions. ability to match homes to your needs and budget. experience preparing a viable offer and handling other paperwork, and. central role in negotiating the final deal.

What happens to debt in Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

With Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filers are typically released from their obligation to pay back unsecured debt —think credit cards, medical bills, or loans extended without collateral. With Chapter 13 bankruptcy, filers have to pay back their debt . However, the debt is reorganized and a new repayment schedule established that makes monthly payments more ...

Does Chapter 7 affect credit score?

Unfortunately, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies will adversely affect credit scores. But don’t give up, hopeful home buyer.

What documents are needed to file for bankruptcy?

Whatever the reason you filed for bankruptcy, lenders will need to properly document your extenuating circumstances, so be prepared to provide proof detailing your life event. Medical bills, a doctor’s note, a death certificate, or severance paperwork are all acceptable evidence ...

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

They also need sufficient amounts of it to pay down their debts. Chapter 7 is a liquidation action. A court-appointed trustee oversees the process. Certain debtor assets are liquidated, with creditors receiving the proceeds. The second type is considered a more serious action.

What is the difference between Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

There are two types of bankruptcy that address negative financial situations. The first is Chapter 13, which is a reorganization and gradual repayment of debt . To qualify, debtors must possess a predictable, steady income. They also need sufficient amounts of it to pay down their debts. Chapter 7 is a liquidation action.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

In fact, the bankruptcy entry on your report will remain there for 10 years. Also, some pain will result from the drop to your credit score. In many cases, the decline will range from 75 to 150 points or more.

What is Chapter 13?

The first is Chapter 13, which is a reorganization and gradual repayment of debt. To qualify, debtors must possess a predictable, steady income. They also need sufficient amounts of it to pay down their debts. Chapter 7 is a liquidation action. A court-appointed trustee oversees the process.

Can you keep your home in Chapter 7?

Most Chapter 7 bankruptcy filers can keep a home if they're current on their mortgage payments and they don't have much equity. However, it's likely that a debtor will lose the home in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy if there's significant equity that the trustee can use to pay creditors.

Can you protect property from creditors in bankruptcy?

Each state has a system of bankruptcy exemptions that a bankruptcy filer can use to protect property. Most states have a homestead exemption amount based on dollar value, but some states limit the number of acres you can protect from creditors.

How to get out of bankruptcy?

Here are some options to consider: 1 Negotiate with your lender before bankruptcy. If you are behind on mortgage payments, you might be able to negotiate with the lender to deal with the shortfall, either informally or through a more formal "mortgage workout" where the lender agrees to renegotiate payments terms by modifying the loan or refinancing. If you go this route, complete the loan modification before you file for bankruptcy. Otherwise, the bankruptcy will likely disrupt any ongoing negotiations. (You'll find information about lender negotiation and loan modifications in Foreclosure.) 2 Consider Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If you've fallen behind on your payments but now have enough income to catch up on the mortgage arrearage over time, you can save your home in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Can you lose your home if you are behind on your mortgage payments?

These are two separate processes. If you're behind on your mortgage payments, you'll eventually lose your home in foreclosure outside of bankruptcy, even if the bankruptcy trustee doesn't sell your home.

Can you keep your homestead if you file for bankruptcy?

When you file for bankruptcy, you're allowed to keep (exempt) the equity in certain types of property . The homestead exemption protects a specified amount of equity in your home or permanent place of residence.

Can you claim homestead exemption in bankruptcy?

You can claim the homestead exemption on one piece of residential property only. In most cases, the property must be your primary residence.

How to calculate homestead exemption?

Start with the fair market value of your home and subtract the following: 1 the homestead exemption amount you're entitled to claim (usually between $10,000 and $100,000) 2 the trustee's commission on the difference (25% of the first $5,000, 10% of the next $50,000, and 5% of the rest, up to one million) 3 the costs of sale (usually around 8% of the fair market value) 4 the amount owed on all mortgages, and 5 the amount of all nonmortgage liens secured by the home (such as a tax lien).

What is disclosure form for home in Illinois?

Illinois law requires most home sellers to provide prospective buyers with a completed disclosure form relating to the condition of the house prior to the formation of a contract. The disclosures on this form include whether the seller is aware, for example, of flooding or recurring leakage problems in the crawl space or basement, of boundary or lot line disputes, or of leaks or material defects in the roof, ceilings, or chimney. Although the disclosure form may contain information of use to you in deciding whether to purchase a particular home, or how much to offer, it is not intended to take the place of an independent, professional home inspection. If you do not have a home inspection before you submit an offer to purchase (due, for instance, to time and cost factors), you should insist on a reasonable inspection contingency period after the acceptance of your offer (again, several business days) to allow for one or more professional inspections of the property. Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

What happens if you accept an offer on a house?

If your offer is accepted, you will then have a legally binding contract. The contract will govern the transaction by setting forth the rights and obligations of both the buyer and the seller. Other than possibly the deed, the contract is the single most important document involved in the purchase of a home.

What are the roles of a real estate agent?

There are other professionals who may be needed as part of your real estate team. They usually will perform a specific role and will not be involved in the transaction on an ongoing basis. They may include: 1 A surveyor, who determines the location of the improvements in relation to the lot lines and establishes the location of easements, building or setback lines, and improvements on adjacent properties. The contract will govern who is responsible for providing and paying for the survey. 2 An appraiser, employed at your expense by your lender to determine that the value of the home corresponds with the purchase price. If you are buying without the services of a real estate agent, you may wish to employ an appraiser to give you an idea of the value of the home before you make an offer to the seller. 3 Your tax advisor or estate planner can work with your real estate attorney to assist you in determining how best to hold title or to maximize tax deductions for personal financial or estate planning purposes. 4 The escrow agent or closer, usually an employee of the title company, who acts as your lender's agent to ensure that the lender's requirements are met before the loan proceeds are disbursed.

How to find a real estate attorney?

Your real estate attorney will be the glue that holds the complex process together. Among other things, your attorney will: 1 provide an overview of the process and the attorney's role in that process; 2 draft, review, explain and/or negotiate your contract to purchase; 3 discuss timing and possession issues, including matters relating to your current lease if you are renting; 4 communicate and negotiate repair issues related to your home inspection; 5 examine the title commitment and survey to determine that you are purchasing the property contracted for, without encumbrances or title defects you have not agreed to accept; 6 explain contract contingencies, if any, and monitor deadlines to make sure those contingencies are met; 7 explain mortgage financing options; 8 verify and explain tax prorations and other closing figures; 9 attend the closing to ensure compliance with the contract and to review the loan documents to verify compliance with your loan agreement; and 10 after the closing, review the recorded deed and the final title insurance policy for accuracy.

What is a contract in a home purchase?

The contract will govern the transaction by setting forth the rights and obligations of both the buyer and the seller. Other than possibly the deed, the contract is the single most important document involved in the purchase of a home. The contract will include all the terms of your purchase, such as purchase price, amount of earnest money deposit, ...

What is the contract for a home?

Other than possibly the deed, the contract is the single most important document involved in the purchase of a home. The contract will include all the terms of your purchase, such as purchase price, amount of earnest money deposit, financing terms, closing date, possession date, personal property to be included in the sale, tax prorations, ...

What is an appraiser?

An appraiser, employed at your expense by your lender to determine that the value of the home corresponds with the purchase price. If you are buying without the services of a real estate agent, you may wish to employ an appraiser to give you an idea of the value of the home before you make an offer to the seller.

What is the quickest way to buy a house after filing bankruptcy?

Mortgages. Government guaranteed mortgages such as FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans are the quickest way to buy a home if you’ve recently filed bankruptcy. Conventional loans do take a little longer. Both types of mortgage loans do have a waiting period before you can buy a home after filing bankruptcy.

What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee sells any nonexempt assets to pay your unsecured debts. The key term here is “nonexempt assets.”. It’s rare for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filer to have any property that falls in this category. [ 1] .

How long does a Chapter 13 plan last?

This Chapter 13 plan modifies your secured debts and only pays a portion of your unsecured debts to create a three-year or five-year repayment plan that is affordable for you. At the end of your Chapter 13 plan, the court enters your discharge and you’re debt-free.

What happens if you default on a FHA loan?

Even so, when you default on your mortgage, your house is subject to foreclosure since the FHA is going to minimize its loss.

How long do you have to wait to file for a VA loan?

That is, you must wait two years after a Chapter 7 discharge or one year after the filing date in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

What are the three organizations that issue mortgage bonds?

These pools issue bonds and sell them to private investors. The three organizations that pool the mortgages and issue these bonds are Ginnie Mae , Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. Ginnie Mae is wholly government-owned and only underwrites government-guaranteed mortgages such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Minimum eligibility requirements for these loans depend on the government agency guaranteeing the loan.

Is Chapter 13 bankruptcy better than Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

In some cases, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will be better. In some Chapter 7 cases, you may qualify to file your own free bankruptcy using Upsolve’s online tool. In other cases, you may need to see an attorney for a free initial consultation and it may make sense to hire a lawyer if you can afford to.