Buyers may still qualify for a mortgage after bankruptcy, but they should connect with an experienced loan officer before the home search begins.

Licensees should not ignore a FREC complaint, audit notice or investigator contact, real estate attorney Danny Villazon said. He advised gathering records, following office procedures and seeking guidance before providing information.

A LendingTree survey found many buyers hold back their reactions, budget and offer strategy when they believe sellers may be watching or listening.

Nearly two-thirds of young buyers said they would relocate to another city or state to afford a home, a new survey found. That opens the door to broader searches built around monthly costs, lifestyle and must-have features.