Is it best to complete a deed in lieu rather than a foreclosure?
Asked on Jun 03rd, 2011 on Bankruptcy - California
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After you file bankruptcy is best complete a deed in lieu rather than a foreclosure if you no longer can afford the mortgage payment and do not what the property?
If the bank will accept a deed in lieu, this would certainly be faster than waiting for the bank to foreclose. The bank does not have to accept it though.
Deed in lieu is a better option than foreclosure for your credit report. However, I prefer a short sale to deed in lieu. For more information please feel free to contact me. Thanks for tuning in!
A foreclosure is worse for future credit than a deed in lieu of foreclosure. However, when there is a bankruptcy already filed the advantage may be more theoretical than real, since a bankruptcy stays on your credit report for ten years.
A deed in lieu of foreclosure is usually not an option because it has to be accepted by the bank and most banks will not accept it for many reasons too complicated to explain here. If you can get the bank to accept one and want out quickly then that is usually a good option.
There are so many issues to consider, you really need to discuss this with a Foreclosure lawyer who is familiar with bankruptcy. You need to consider the type of bankruptcy, whether the debt was reaffirmed, who is on the note, do others have liability and many other issues before making a decision.
Probably not. If the bank will accept a deed in lieu, then fine. That would eliminate post-bankruptcy HOA costs, insurance, taxes, etc. But after filing bankruptcy you're no longer responsible for paying the mortgage or for paying anything still due after foreclosure (in a Ch. 7).
It depends on what kind of bankruptcy you've filed. If you originally filed a chapter 13 and you are "keeping current" on your home, you can file an amended plan to surrender your home through bankruptcy. You will need the trustee's permission. If it is within 6 months of your chapter 7 filing you may be able to amend your chapter 7 to surrender the property.
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