Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois
deed in lieu
I owe 300K on my mortgage and another 100K on my home equity loan to the same bank in Princeton IL. I am able to make the payments but my property value has dropped to about 200K and there is a strip mine about to open adjoining my property. I can't afford to fight his big money so I assume my property value will drop to less than zero. The owner of the strip mine to be has purchased property on three sides of me and is not interested in mine. I am being knee capped. Any advice? I plan to go to the bank Monday and talk to them but I'm hoping that they will accept a deed in lieu and let me off of the hook. I own (with mortgages)business propertyies in other counties that I could live in. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm just now learning what questions to ask.
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: deed in lieu
I just answered another question regarding a property in Princeton, and if this is from the same sender, it will be a repeat, but I believe the answer below addresses some of the issues.
The bank does not have to accept a deed in lieu, and if you have a second mortgage such as a home equity loan, and the equity loan is with a different lender, the holder of the first mortgage is unlikely to accept such a deed.
It may be possible to work out a short sale or loan modification with the first lender and settle the equity loan for a small percentage of its value. For further information regarding Illinois mortgage law, please see:
http://home-mortgages.suite101.com/article.cfm/illinois_mortgage_foreclosure_law
and
http://home-mortgages.suite101.com/article.cfm/mortgage_loan_modification
Our firm is establishing a loan modification division, and you may feel free to contact us with your questions.
Re: deed in lieu
The bank, any bank, does not have to accept a deed in lieu, or a "short sale" scheme. You may have a bankruptcy remedy, but since you indicate that you have the $ to pay the 1st & 2d, it is likely that this may not work for you. You need to consult with a lawyer in your county. Sooner than later. Good luck!
Re: deed in lieu
Talk to a local attorney regarding all of what the other attorneys suggested (modification, etc.) However, maybe there's another route: sue (or threaten to sue) the mine company for a "nuisance" that diminished the value of your property.