I had my house foreclosed on; what are the dos and don'ts when I leave?

Attorney answers (3)

1. Licensed in MN

   

   Errin Stowell

   Roseville Bankruptcy Attorney

   Contributor Level 12

   Answered April 20, 2011 10:40. The furnace and water heater would probably be considered "fixtures" at this point, but the other items, if all you have to do is unplug and move, then those should be considered personal property which you should be entitled to take with you. The mortgage company is foreclosing on your house, which would include fixtures, but not on your personal property. If you have a copy of your mortgage agreement then you should check it to see if it states anything about personal property such as washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, etc.
   
   You should probably make sure the water is turned off, the windows and doors secured, and that the house is broom swept and no garbage/trash inside. The mortgage company will likely have someone come out soon after you leave to secure the property. You should probably notify the mortgage company when you leave and let them know that you've also turned off all the utilities that were in your name.
   
   Best regards,
   
   Errin P. Stowell
   
   Stowell Law Firm, LLC
   350 St. Peter Street, Suite 224
   St. Paul, MN 55102
   651-890-2831 phone
   stowell.law.firm@gmail.com
   
   We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy protection under the Bankruptcy Code.

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2. 

   Bernard Conway

   Chicago Foreclosure Attorney

   Contributor Level 14

   Answered April 20, 2011 10:56. With regard to condition of the house, you are under no obligation to do anything other than refrain from intentionally causing damage. There is no clean up or removal of all items etc etc obligation.

   Legal disclaimer: This is not legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. The post... moreLegal disclaimer: This is not legal advice and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. The post is only an opinion. You should speak to an attorney for further information. The poster is licensed only in Illinois. Please visit www.bernardjconway.com for more information about our services. If this post is useful to you, please remember to upvote it. less

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3. 

   Theodore AraujoPro

   Syracuse Foreclosure Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

   

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   Answered April 21, 2011 04:33. You can probably take the kitchen appliances, but I would not take the water heater or furnace.

   Disclaimer: This answer does not constitute legal advice. I am admitted in the States of New York, New Jersey and... moreDisclaimer: This answer does not constitute legal advice. I am admitted in the States of New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts only and make no attempt to opine on matters of law that are not relevant to those three States. This advice is based on general principles of law that may or may not relate to your specific situation. Facts and laws change and these possible changes will affect the advice provided here. Consult an attorney in your locale before you act on any of this advice. You should not rely on this advice alone and nothing in these communications creates an attorney client relationship. less

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