Lenders must pay particular attention to subordinate liens and encumbrances prior to initiating any foreclosure action. Lenders can discover whether subordinate liens and encumbrances exist on a property by performing a title examination prior to initiating foreclosure. Failure to discover subordinate liens and encumbrances will cause lenders to mistakenly exclude […]
When a lender holds a defaulted loan there are several issues that need to be considered before initiating a foreclosure. Lenders must ensure compliance with all relevant State and Federal laws and regulations to preserve their remedies for recovery. Additionally, specific Federal regulations may also apply and provide additional requirements […]
In Florida, foreclosure actions must be brought in the county where the land is located. This is typically referred to as the “local action rule.” However, lenders often wonder where they should file the foreclosure action if the loan is secured by mortgaged land situated in different counties. Luckily, the […]
In Florida, mortgage foreclosure lawsuits are filed in the county where the property is located. Although Florida foreclosures are governed by Chapter 702 of the Florida Statutes, foreclosing lenders must also check the local rules of the court where the lawsuit is filed to make sure that they comply with […]
In Florida, lenders may find themselves foreclosing on real property with a mobile home attached to the land. Initially, a mobile home is considered personal property (like a vehicle) and is titled by the Department of Motor Vehicles. However, a mobile home may be “retired” to the real property and […]
Oftentimes, when a lender forecloses on real estate collateral, the lender will purchase the property at the foreclosure sale. Once the lender has title to the property, it has the right to take possession of the property. However, sometimes, the previous homeowner or a tenant may not voluntarily vacate the […]
When a lender obtains a final judgment of foreclosure from the court, the mortgaged property is sold at public auction and, if bought by someone other than the foreclosing lender, the proceeds are applied to the debt owed by the delinquent borrower. However, sometimes the sale proceeds are insufficient to […]
In Florida, lenders typically obtain an “assignment of rents” if the property produces income by collecting rent, such as an apartment complex, rental home, rental space, or office building. An “assignment of rents” allows the lender to collect the rent payments, if the borrower defaults on their loan payments. Although […]
In response to the mortgage foreclosure crisis, the Supreme Court of Florida established a statewide mandatory mediation program for residential mortgage foreclosures. Due to the mandatory mediation program being largely unsuccessful, the Supreme Court of Florida terminated the program on December 19, 2011. However, lenders should be aware that judges […]
The Florida Supreme Court has published the proper form to use when seeking a final judgment of foreclosure: Form 1.996(a), Final Judgment of Foreclosure (8-18-20). Form 1.996(a) is incorporated in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure under Rule 1.900. Pursuant to Rule 1.900(b), the Form may be varied to meet […]