The Mortgage Files

Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.

Mortgage Waiting Periods After Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Short Sale, and Judgments

By Scott Sheldon / June 18, 2026

Many people believe that a foreclosure, bankruptcy, short sale, or judgment means they will never qualify for a mortgage again. Fortunately, that is rarely the case. Life happens. People experience job losses, medical issues, divorces, business failures, and unexpected financial hardships. Mortgage lenders understand this, and most loan programs have established waiting periods that allow…