Mortgage Forgiveness and Bankruptcy

On October 19, 2012, in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

Bank of America mortgage forgiveness and bankruptcy

Recently we have written about Bank of America forgiving second mortgages and the National Mortgage Servicer Settlement. Many homeowners facing foreclosure are anxious to find out if their second mortgage will be forgiven by Bank of America.

Well, it appears that one pattern may have emerged. Many homeowners who have already filed bankruptcy are receiving letters stating that their 2nd mortgage will be forgiven. Great news, right? Maybe.  Some of these debtors are in active bankruptcy (chapter 7 & chapter 13). Some debtors have already received a bankruptcy discharge and are no longer personally liable for their mortgages. Other debtors have “stripped” their 2nd mortgages and BOA will likely receive much less than 100% of what is owed on the 2nd mortgage.

Not So Good

  • It appears that BOA may receive credit, against the amount it owes under the National Servicer Settlement Agreement, by forgiving mortgages they can could no longer collect or only collect a portion of. This may lead to fewer distressed homeowners actually benefiting from the Settlement.
  • There may be tax issues (the advice of a tax professional may be necessary).

Good

  • Distressed homeowners who are not in bankruptcy are receiving letters from BOA stating that their 2nd mortgages are being forgiven. This will make it easier for some homeowners to avoid foreclosure.
  • Debtors in bankruptcy who are paying back 100% of the arrears on their 2nd mortgages and their full 2nd mortgage payment have received notification that their loan is being forgiven. This could alleviate the need for a chapter 13 bankruptcy altogether.
  • Some homeowners may find themselves with instant home equity.

If you have any questions about this or other legal issues, call The Law Firm of Vaughn and Weber PLLC, at 516-858-2620, for a free consultation!

+This is not tax or legal advice.

Bank of America Forgiving Second Mortgages!

On October 1, 2012, in Foreclosure, by Robbie L. Vaughn, Esq.

BOA eliminates the full unpaid principal balance on some second mortgages.

Bank of America recently announced that it will be forgiving 2nd mortgages, for some homeowners,  “under Bank of America’s participation in the 2012 national mortgage settlement.” We will be writing more about the 25 billion dollar National Mortgage Settlement soon, but, for now, here is part of BOA’s recent press release:

As part of Bank of America’s ongoing efforts to help customers in need of mortgage assistance, this company is in the process of mailing approximately 150,000 letters to pre-qualified homeowners offering automatic extinguishment of their second lien mortgages. The intention of the program is to place homeowners in an improved financial situation by reducing their monthly debt obligations and, potentially, help them create equity in their property.

The full forgiveness of second lien balances on eligible loans is being extended under Bank of America’s participation in the 2012 national mortgage settlement among the five largest mortgage servicers, 49 state attorneys general and the federal government.

Letters that began mailing in July 2012 and continue through the end of this year inform predetermined eligible homeowners that the full balance of their Bank of America-owned and -serviced second lien mortgage will be forgiven and the bank’s lien on the collateral property will be released free and clear, unless the customer opts out of this relief offer within 30 days of receiving the letter.

Read the full Press Release here.

Our take: We like it! There could be tax consequences, but we doubt that would be reason enough to opt out. It would be wise to speak with a CPA. 

If you have any questions about this or other legal issues, call The Law Firm of Vaughn and Weber today, at 516-858-2620, for a free consultation!

This is not Tax or Legal advice!

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