Question: I filed for bankruptcy a couple of years ago. Prior to that I asked for financial assistance on my home from my lender, who did not respond. When the bankruptcy was discharged, I again contacted my lender requesting to relinquish title in lieu of foreclosure. Still I got no response. I quit making payments on the property later that year. About a year later the lender contacted me. I asked again about title in lieu of payment and was told I would need to complete a financial statement. Since my financial health had improved since the bankruptcy, I declined. I have not heard from the lender in over a year except for delinquent payment notices. Can I be held liable for any property other than the secured property when the bank finally gets around to foreclosing?
Response: A mortgaged property is a secured property (mortgage itself is the security instrument). When you file for bankruptcy, a mortgage does not become unsecured unless there is not enough equity to preserve the bank's interest. In that case, only that portion can become unsecured (ex: mortgage $300,000; fair market value=$240,000; unsecured amount=$60,000). By signing a mortgage document, you give the bank a right to go after your home if you default on your payments. When the property is unsecured, the creditor can still go after that amount but they cannot go after your property. So, if foreclosure takes place, the bank can essentially go after you for a deficiency judgment. Consider filling out that financial statement to do a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or a short sale. What the bank looks for is affordability of mortgage payments. Just because your financial situation improved does not mean you can pay all of your arrears back and stay current on your payments. If the property is clear of any tenants, there is a chance that the bank would accept a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
In the legal blog, Attorney Svetlana Kaplun addresses typical questions our firm has received from our clients, or come across from homeowners related to foreclosure, foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy topics.
The information contained in the legal blog of Attorney Svetlana Kaplun is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as a legal advice on any subject matter. Please read our full disclaimer or contact the Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C. by telephone at 718-444-1115 for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Law Office of Svetlana Kaplun, P.C.
modification, making home affordable, hamp, mortgage modification, harp refinance, making homes affordable, modifications, home affordable modification program, home affordable refinance program, hamp program, home loan modification, loan modification guidelines, foreclosures, foreclosure listings, foreclosure homes, mers, foreclosure settlement, foreclosure homes for sale, free foreclosure listings, foreclosure home, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure process, how foreclosure works, home foreclosure, foreclosure radar, bank foreclosure, home foreclosures, foreclosure listing, hud foreclosure, foreclosure laws, short sale vs foreclosure, stop foreclosure, totally free foreclosure home listings, foreclosure help, free government home foreclosure listing, free listing foreclosure home sale, free foreclosure listings with pictures, fannie mae foreclosure, independent foreclosure review, lawyers, power of attorney, personal injury attorney, attorneys, power of attorney form, durable power of attorney, power of attorney forms, criminal attorney, attorney search, medical power of attorney, free power of attorney, bankruptcy attorney, power of attorney template, power of attorney form download, durable power of attorney form, free power of attorney forms, general power of attorney, free printable power attorney form, lasting power of attorney, tax attorney, free power attorney forms, divorce attorney, ace attorney, disability attorney, attorney jobs, enduring power of attorney, attorney at law, patent attorney, free power of attorney forms to print, real estate attorney, injury lawyer, personal injury lawyer, defense lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, the lawyer, accident lawyer, a lawyer, criminal lawyer, motorcycle accident lawyer, rocket lawyer, bankruptcy lawyer, divorce lawyer, ask a lawyer, find a lawyer, lawyer referral, car accident lawyer, family lawyer, lawyer search, lawyer find, lawyer ratings, lawyer referral service, immigration lawyer, dui lawyer
