By Lisa Prevost | The New York Times
A personal bankruptcy stands out as a conspicuous blemish on a consumer’s credit report for as long as 10 years. But the barrier it presents to obtaining a mortgage doesn’t have to last that long.
Many individuals who sought bankruptcy protection during the recent recession, which officially ended in 2009, may now be eligible to apply for a mortgage. The mandatory waiting periods to apply for a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or the Federal Housing Administration last from two to four years.