Dojowah, I agree with what Boomhower said. I also filed BK around the same time you did so I completely know where you are coming from.
However, creditors are going to be a little nervous about extending credit to you currently, given the fact that you have had more credit issues post BK. It seems like the mortgage requirements are getting more and more difficult.
I think you can get a house financed by the FHA, I just don't realistically think you will b ready to start the process in December. Could you guys possibly rent while you live in FL to give you some more time to work on your credit. My recommendations are as follows
1. Pay off your credit card and maintain less than a 9% utilization on them. It is generally adviced to only charge what you can afford to pay off when the statement comes in.
2. Build an emergency fund. Many people forget this important step. Like you know, life happens when we least expect it. It is helpful to have 3-6 months of living expenses saved off in an account somewhere so that you can live off of if you need to.
3. Start writing GW letters for the lates you incured post BK. It would help you a lot if those negative marks are removed. Search on these boards for examples of how to write GW letters.
4. See if you can work with the collection agencies to delete the collection accounts after you've paid them. Make sure they have something in writing telling you they will delete the accounts. Have this documentation in hand BEFORE you pay them off. Search these boards for PFD letters (pay for delete letters)
5. Keep your positive accounts positive. Never, ever, ever be late on a payment. Keep your utilization low. You will be amazed to see how much your score will go up just by paying those balances down. Don't apply for any new lines of credit at this time.
6. Be patient. Repairing one's credit takes a lot of time and dedication. It usually takes a little while for one to get into credit mess. Likewise, it is going to take time to fix the mess. Don't get too anxious. Good credit wil come with time and dedication
Good luck and spend time on this website. I didn't know anything about credit and only found out about MyFico after I've ruined mine. Like you, I still have a long way to go but I can also look back and say I've come a long way.
