Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

We are facing possible foreclosure of our Primary residence purchased in 2006. We are in the state of California in LA County and have a 1st, 2nd and a 3rd (home improvement-pool) loan. I have read the 3rd mortgage deed document and need assistance in finding out if we would still owe on the 3rd mortgage which is currently $33,403. Or, if upon foreclosure we our free from debt/owing on the 3rd, since if stays with the house and would by taken by the 1st bank owner?


Asked on 7/28/09, 6:00 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Scott Schomer Schomer Law Group

The foreclosure of the first loan wipes out the lien, but not the debt, of the junior mortgages. Therefore if the first position lender forecloses, you will be in default under the second and third mortgages. Once in default, the junior lenders can sue you for non-payment.

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Answered on 7/28/09, 6:07 pm
David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Attorney Schomer is correct, however, with one possible exception. If the second lender (not the pool loan, as that is clearly not purchase money, and is subject to a deficiency if the first or second forecloses) was a purchase money loan - in other words if it is a loan you received when you bought the house, and the money from that loan was used to buy the house, then they MAY be barred from suing you. It is impossible for any of us to give you a concrete legal opinion without being retained and reviewing your circumstances fully, but it is safe to say that unless the pool loan lender forecloses non-judicially and takes the house, you will continue to be liable for it, and possibly even the second loan after the foreclosure.

*Due to the limitations of the LawGuru Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

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Answered on 11/11/09, 2:18 pm


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