Getting through a Consumer Proposal is no small achievement – insolvency is a humbling experience, but paying down your debts with a Consumer Proposal is a moment you should be proud of. You’ve probably been told that a bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal gives you a second chance – in only a few years, it will even be off your credit rating. But if you want to take out a major loan after going through a Consumer Proposal, there’s still more to do, but there is a path to rebuilding your credit so that you can qualify for a bank loan, a better car loan, or a mortgage.
Homeownership is one of the biggest financial goals that can be jeopardized by insolvency. It’s a major financial commitment, and banks and mortgage brokers may not be willing to take on too much risk to offer you a mortgage.
A bad credit rating is a red flag for potential new creditors that says you’re a higher risk borrower, because you’ve run into insolvency in the past. The cost of taking on more risk, if you qualify at all, is a higher interest rate. In a city like Toronto where the average home price is still nearly $750,000, you simply can’t afford higher interest rates on your mortgage.
But your credit rating doesn’t have to stay that way forever; you can rebuild and with time, qualify for a mortgage at a better interest rate. Part of the Consumer Proposal process with David Sklar & Associates is going through credit counselling, where we teach you about using credit wisely to re-establish your credit rating and move on from these difficulties. These are some of the things you can do to rebuild your credit and qualify for a better mortgage:
Pay Your Consumer Proposal – The first step is finishing your Consumer Proposal, as it takes three years after completion for it to slide off your record – and that’s a big difference between bankruptcy and a Consumer Proposal to keep in mind. If you have any more questions about the difference between bankruptcy and a Consumer Proposal, feel free to ask us at David Sklar & Associates.
Get a Secured Credit Card – Secured credit cards were made with rebuilding credit in mind; it’s backed by a savings account where you deposit money as a collateral. With a low limit, it gives you the chance to rebuild your credit at a low risk to the lender, rehabilitating your credit history.
Save a Down Payment – In Canada, down payment rules have changed. A five percent down payment is only the beginning; homebuyers must now provide a ten percent down payment on the cost over $500,000, which means most Toronto homes.
If you’re still not sure how you can rebuild your credit rating and get back on the path to saving for a mortgage, credit counselling at David Sklar & Associates can help. If you’re ready to start reaching for your financial goals again, contact us today to discover your path to successful savings. Your new home is waiting!
