HELOC After Foreclosure

Had a foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu? At least one HELOC we offer can work 5 years after a foreclosure, and another counts 4 years after a short sale or deed-in-lieu.

Foreclosure Short Sale Deed-In-Lieu Waiting Periods Rebuilt Credit Foreclosure Short Sale Deed-In-Lieu Waiting Periods Rebuilt Credit
5 Years After Foreclosure 4 Years After Short Sale Waits Start At Completion Extenuating Cases Reviewed

What a HELOC after foreclosure requires

Each item below is a requirement or rule of at least one HELOC we offer.

  • No foreclosure started or completed on a first mortgage in the last 5 years, at one program.
  • No pre-foreclosure or foreclosure status filed on the home you are borrowing against.
  • At another program, 7 years after a foreclosure.
  • At that program, 4 years after a short sale, deed-in-lieu or mortgage charge-off.
  • The wait runs from the completion, discharge or dismissal date to the date the new loan funds.
  • A written letter of explanation, and credit that has been re-established since the event.
Small wooden house and family figures on a table next to a set of keys

Five years at one program

Short sales count sooner

The clock starts at completion

Extenuating cases reviewed

Rebuilt credit matters

Not every program says yes

Can You Get A HELOC After A Foreclosure?

Yes, once enough time has passed. The wait depends on the event and the program.

A past foreclosure does not have to block a HELOC forever. At least one HELOC we offer looks for no foreclosure started or completed on a first mortgage in the last 5 years, and no foreclosure status filed on the home you are borrowing against.

Another program waits 7 years after a foreclosure and 4 years after a short sale, deed-in-lieu or mortgage charge-off, counted from the completion date to the date the new loan funds. For a first mortgage after a foreclosure, see mortgage after foreclosure.

Some rules are stricter. At least one program will not approve or consider a past foreclosure, deed-in-lieu, short sale, short payoff or mortgage charge-off at all. At the program with the 7-year wait, documented extenuating circumstances can shorten some waits, and you will explain the event in writing.

White two-story house with a wraparound porch and green lawn

Why use Saxton for a HELOC after foreclosure

This page is for homeowners with a past foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu who want to know when a home equity line is possible again.

Five Years At One Program

At least one program looks for no foreclosure on a first mortgage in the last 5 years.

Short Sales Count Sooner

At another, the wait is 4 years after a short sale or deed-in-lieu.

Clock Starts At Completion

The wait runs from the completion date to the date the new loan funds.

Extenuating Cases Reviewed

Documented extenuating circumstances can shorten some waits at that program.

Rebuilt Credit Matters

That program also wants credit re-established since the event, plus a letter of explanation.

Limits Stated Up Front

At least one program will not consider a past foreclosure or short sale at all.

Hear From Homeowners Like You

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about getting a HELOC after a foreclosure or short sale.

At least 5 years at one HELOC we offer, measured by no foreclosure started or completed on a first mortgage in that time. Another program waits 7 years.

At least one program waits 4 years after a short sale, deed-in-lieu or mortgage charge-off.

At least one program counts from the completion, discharge or dismissal date of the event to the date the new loan funds.

At least one program allows shorter waits for a documented, nonrecurring event outside your control, such as the death of a primary wage earner or a reduction in workforce.

At least one program requires a written letter of explanation and proof that your credit has been re-established since the event.

Yes. At least one program will not approve or consider a past foreclosure, deed-in-lieu, short sale, short payoff or mortgage charge-off.

At least one program looks for no foreclosure proceeding started on a first mortgage in the last 5 years, so a started proceeding still counts there.

Find out what you qualify for

Tell us the date of your foreclosure or short sale and we will show you which HELOC waits you already clear.

Get Pre-Qualified
Official program information
Written by Saxton Retail Mortgage · Reviewed by Saxton Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1717191 · Last updated August 27, 2026

Loan amounts, rates, terms, and eligibility are subject to credit approval, asset and income verification, appraisal, and program guidelines. Draw requirements and variable rate terms apply. Program availability varies by state. Not all applicants will qualify. Saxton Mortgage, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender.