I get what you mean about things changing depending on who’s at the desk. I’ve had a lender ask for a letter explaining a bankruptcy that was over seven years old, even though it had already dropped off my credit report. Felt kind of pointless, but I guess they just wanted to cover their bases.
Sometimes it feels like the process changes depending on who’s at the desk that day...
That’s been my experience too. Some folks barely glance at your paperwork, others want every detail since high school. I do think older bankruptcies matter less, but if you’re applying with a national lender, they seem to follow the rules to the letter no matter what. Local lenders were more willing to listen to my situation and look at my recent history instead of just the old stuff.
Honestly, it’s frustrating how inconsistent it can be. I’d say just be ready for anything and keep your paperwork handy, even if you think you won’t need it. Better safe than sorry.
Honestly, I gotta push back a little on the idea that national lenders always stick to the rules. I’ve seen some real head-scratchers over the years. Like, one time a big-name bank grilled me about a medical bill from 2012, but then barely blinked at my more recent stuff. Go figure.
Some folks barely glance at your paperwork, others want every detail since high school.
That’s the wild part—sometimes it feels like it’s less about the age of your bankruptcy and more about who’s in the mood to play detective that day. I’ve had local lenders get weirdly picky too, especially if they’re having a slow afternoon.
- Old bankruptcies *should* matter less, but sometimes they just want to see how you explain it. Maybe it’s a test? Or maybe they’re bored.
- I keep a “greatest hits” folder of my financial drama ready to go. Not proud of it, but hey, saves me time.
- If you’re lucky, you get someone who just wants the basics and moves on. If not… hope you remember what happened in 2009.
Bottom line: I wouldn’t count on consistency anywhere, big or small lender. It’s like financial roulette.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. The inconsistency is wild sometimes. I’ve had underwriters ask for a signed letter about a $50 overdraft from years ago, but then breeze past bigger stuff. Like you said,
It’s frustrating, but prepping that “greatest hits” folder is actually smart. It’s not fair, but being over-prepared can save a lot of headaches. Just keep documenting everything—eventually you’ll hit someone who just wants the basics and you’ll be glad you have it all ready.“sometimes it feels like it’s less about the age of your bankruptcy and more about who’s in the mood to play detective that day.”
It’s wild how much it comes down to the individual underwriter’s style. I’ve had clients where a bankruptcy from eight years ago was still the main focus, even though their credit since then was spotless. Meanwhile, another file with a more recent bankruptcy barely got a second look—just a couple of quick questions and done. There doesn’t seem to be a hard-and-fast rule, which makes it tough to predict.
I always tell people to document everything, even if it feels excessive. One time, we got flagged for a minor deposit that wasn’t even related to the bankruptcy, but having all the paperwork ready made it a two-minute conversation instead of a week-long back-and-forth. It’s annoying, but being over-prepared usually pays off.
Honestly, I wish there was more consistency in how these things are handled, but until then... better safe than sorry.
