Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Can lender of short sell ut a lien an another property

I have 6 properties that are under mortage loans, I don't have much equity in these houses. I am having a short sell of one house that is up-side-down $220,000. The lender of this house has agreed that I can short sell it, I got a buyer and the lender has accepted the offer but they are asking me to sign a note of $240,000 for them to put a lien on one of my other properties before they sign off the short sell. This short sell house was refinanced and cashed out in 2007, and it has only 1 lender, no second loan. My question: If I don't sign any note for the lien, Can the lender still put a lien on my other property? How can I protect my properties? If I walk away by having a foreclose, can the lender still sue me for the amount $240,000?


Asked on 5/15/09, 2:55 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Can lender of short sell ut a lien an another property

When you refinance, especially with a cash-out, and the property is income property rather than your principal residence, you aren't protected from a deficiency judgment if the lender decides to go for a judicial (court) foreclosure proceeding rather than a trustee sale. Whether a particular lender would go to the time end expense of a judicial foreclosure depends upon the amount of the deficiency, whether the borrower appears to have other assets or income to satisfy the judgment, and to some extent, I suppose, the lender's attitude toward this loan and its overall relationship with the borrower.

I can't evaluate the proposed short sale as to whether it is a good business deal or not, but by executing a note you may be simplifying the lender's processes for tapping your other assets and getting paid - but I don't think the lender lacks access to your other assets anyway, if it decides to go to court.

Read more
Answered on 5/15/09, 1:59 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Can lender of short sell ut a lien an another property

That's not a short sale, and doesn't gain you a thing. The lender is simply moving your debt to another property with your agreement. Liens can only be placed on your other property with your agreement, or as a result of a court judgment, which would be a lien on all your assets. You'd be foolish to do this, unless you are also going to walk away from the other property.

Read more
Answered on 5/15/09, 2:29 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in California