Q: How long do I have to wait to buy a new home after I have had to do a short sale on a previous home?
A: Maybe not as long as you think. It is totally dependent on your own personal situation. In general terms, for Federal Housing Administration loans, there’s a three-year waiting period from the short sale closing date, and homebuyers can get a mortgage with as little as 3.5 percent down. Those who qualify for a Veterans Affairs loan have to wait two years and are not required to make a down payment. It is important to find out what your situation is currently. Talk to an expert in the mortgage industry to get your personal plan started so you can buy soon.

Q: What are the first steps to getting ready to purchase again?
A: Use your annualcreditreport.com, which is an annual credit report you can get for free. Check to make sure all your current debt is up to date and that all accounts are reporting correctly. If not, use this time to contact those old debts and correct any owed balances or incorrect reporting.

Q: Will a large down payment be required when I do want to enter the housing market again?
A: Not necessarily, it depends on the situation. If you qualify for an FHA mortgage, your down payment may be as low as 3.5%. Get with an expert mortgage consultant to talk about your specific situation and options for your future home purchase.

Q: Is there any difference in getting back into the market, if the short sale was an investment property or a primary residence?
A: When it comes to getting back into the market and qualifying for a mortgage loan, a short sale is a short sale. The qualification in regards to down payment, time you need to wait, and credit are the same no matter if the property you originally had a short sale on was an investment on a primary residence.