Most homeowners assume the door marked Mortgage is boarded shut for them after a bankruptcy. Refinancing is actually a financial necessity on the road to rebuilding your credit. Here is what you need to know about refinancing your mortgage after bankruptcy.

Refinancing your mortgage has many advantages: lower interest rates, lower monthly payments, cashing out equity, and rebuilding your credit, just to name a few. Because you have a bankruptcy on your record refinancing your mortgage will be more difficult, but not out of your reach. There are steps you need to take before you apply for a new mortgage; this will ensure you qualify for a decent interest rate and favorable terms on the new mortgage loan.

Establish Credit

As soon as your bankruptcy is finalized apply for a credit card. You might think this is contrary to a lot of the advice your read regarding bankruptcy; however, it is crucial to establish a history of on time payments with a creditor as soon as possible after bankruptcy. This history of on time payments will help build your credit score. Being on time and maintaining a low balance on this credit card is the first step to rebuilding your credit.

Make Your Payments on Time

Your first priority when rebuilding your credit is this: never, ever, make a late payment. This is so important to your credit score after bankruptcy. Having at least six months to two years of on time payments on your credit history will allow you to qualify for a much lower interest rate and get you favorable terms on your new mortgage; that means on time payments with your current mortgage lender, and on time payments with your new credit card.

Do Your Homework

You will need to spend some time learning about mortgages and researching mortgage lenders. This will allow you to avoid making many of the costly mistakes homeowners make when refinancing their mortgages. Shop from a variety of mortgage lenders and compare interest rates, lender fees and closing costs; by making this comparison from a variety of mortgage lenders you will be able to spot lenders that are trying to take advantage of borrowers with their terms, conditions, and fees. To learn more about avoiding common mortgage mistakes, register for a free mortgage guidebook.