Want to learn more about Excess Sale Proceeds?
When a borrower doesn’t perform their financial obligations, a lender may legally seize and sell a home or other property. This method is called foreclosure. There are various types of foreclosures in Arizona.
- The trustee’s sale procedure is the most used in Arizona. When the lender decides to foreclose on the borrower’s property, there are laws governing the process. Normally the trustee’s sale, in comparison to other processes, is cheaper and quicker (at least 90 days). In this method, there is no court involvement.
- The second process is a judicial foreclosure. This is a court procedure. Therefore, it is more expensive and takes longer. The advantage for the lender is that a deficiency action could be brought against the borrower or guarantor. The homeowners’ association (“HOA”), or those who purchased back taxes may also use this court process.
- The sheriff’s sale comes after the judicial foreclosure. As was already mentioned, the process begins in court. The task of selling the property is then given to the sheriff. Lenders, HOAs, and investors in back taxes normally use this.
The following will explain a few of the fundamentals of Trustee’s Sale.
If you fall behind on your mortgage payments in Arizona, the trustee’s sale is one of the things your lender can do. A judicial foreclosure is the second option. The trustee’s sale is often chosen because it lets the lender move faster and costs less than the judicial foreclosure.
Quick Links to Articles & Resources
Learn more about the Trustee’s Sale process by clicking on the following link.
Visit “Trustee’s Sale Process”
Our frequently asked questions includes many questions about: foreclosure rescue scams, the trustee’s sale process, if you have a VA loan, living in the property and excess sale proceeds.
Visit Trustee Sale FAQs
(As of May 28, 2018 this became permanent Federal law. Also see links at bottom to Arizona Landlord Tenant Act)
by Attorney Janet Portman Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure Act – Federal legislation signed in May 2009 gives important rights to tenants whose landlords have lost their properties through foreclosure. The mortgage industry crisis that started in 2006 has resulted in thousands — no, make that millions — of foreclosed homes. Most of the occupants are the homeowners themselves, who must scramble to find alternate housing with very little notice. They’re being joined by scores of renters who discover, often with no warning, that their rented house or apartment is now owned by a bank, which wants them out.
Read More by visiting
Property which is pledged as collateral on a debt will sometimes be surrendered to the creditor if the debtor is unable to make payments.
The rise in incidents of foreclosure of homeowner mortgages across the nation is but one aspect of this. Repossessions of cars and mobile homes are also common occurrences in the current economic environment. This article explores the income tax consequences to the borrower which may ensue from surrendering property to satisfy a debt. In general there are two tax aspects to consider: (1) recognition of gain or loss on the transaction and (2) recognition of cancellation of indebtedness (COD) income.
Read More about this by visiting the link below
Tax Issues in short sales, trustee and sales and foreclosures, by Robert Ciancola
Visit “Sue on the Note or Foreclose on the Property – what is the difference?” by Stephanie Monroe Wilson. An Arizona attorney
Visit “Buying Tax Liens: Not an Entirely Gold Plated Investment“, by Chris McNichol, an Arizona Attorney
“Tax Lien Sales Winner for County (but not investors)“, by Mike Fimea, Arizona Business Gazette, February 19, 2004, volume 124
Excess Sale Proceeds – Arizona Specific
Learn about your rights.
When deciding whether to fight to keep your home or let the lender foreclose, it’s important to know what the lender’s processes are.
How long before my house has equity?
Find out by using the calculator below. This tool will allow you to calculate when you will have equity in your home.
The principal and interest make up the majority of your mortgage payment. The main is the amount borrowed, while the interest is the fee paid to the lender. Your lender may additionally collect an additional sum each month to place in escrow, which the lender (or servicer) normally pays directly to the local property tax collector and your insurance provider.
Mortgage Repayment Calculator
mortgage payment calculator provided by bankrate.com
Clients from all across Arizona have put their trust in us
Rated high among her peers
"Rated high among her peers" Anonymous Ms. Drain helped make a very difficult time more bearable. She treated us with the utmost respect and caring while pushing us to get together the paperwork needed to get us to the best possible end result. It was very obvious [...]
You helped me in many ways and I am very grateful
" You helped me in many ways and I am very grateful!" D. I can’t tell you how glad I am that you were our bankruptcy attorney. You helped me in many ways and I am very grateful. Most of all, I appreciate your frankness and honesty. You always [...]
Diane is the resource you need.
"Diane is the resource you need." K.M. If you are reading this; you probably need the services of a bankruptcy attorney and you’re worried and maybe a little frightened of the entire process and it’s impact on your life. Please trust us when we tell you that Diane is [...]
Her knowledge and patience are a model that every attorney should follow
“Her knowledge and patience are a model that every attorney should follow” S.H. Diane Drain is one of the most incredible attorneys I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. She takes the time necessary with each client to provide expert advice. Her knowledge and patience are a [...]
You gave us great guidance
“You gave us great guidance.” J.B. Thank you !!! Diane and Jay for all your help. I would highly recommend your services. You were very caring and helpful during the whole process. You gave us great guidance through a very stressful time. We appreciate it. [...]
Made the Bankruptcy process very understandable and helpful
“Made the Bankruptcy process very understandable and helpful” P.H. Diane’s expertise and solid experience and instructions made my entire Bankruptcy process very understandable and helpful! Her guidelines helped tremendously. The entire process would have daunting without her professional help. Anytime I need any professional legal help in [...]
Diane Helped me Maneuver the Process of Bankruptcy Through an Unusual Situation
“You can feel confident in her ability to provide you with any and all answers that may arise. ” D.L. I can’t say enough about the professionalism for Diane Drain and Jay. She helped me maneuver the process of Bankruptcy through an unusual situation. I highly recommend Diane [...]
Bankruptcy Changed Our Lives for the Better.
"I'm forever grateful for her help during such a difficult time, and all she did to change our lives for the better." M.M. Years after declaring bankruptcy, I can reflect on how far my wife and I have come financially. I remember the shame and fear that [...]
Diane understands that a simple mistake could cost you in many ways
Diane understands that a simple mistake could cost you in many ways. J.D. After choosing to file bankruptcy, I selected another attorney at first, which was a huge mistake. He offered payment plans which seemed to be a good choice at the time. However, his lack of [...]
thank you for all of your help
"thank you for all of your help" C.S. As difficult as this entire process was emotionally and physically bringing everything together my experience with you has been amazing and much easier than I thought it would be thank you for all of your help. [...]
We are very happy we were referred to Diane
"We are very happy we were referred to Diane" S.G. Diane helped my husband and me get past a difficult chapter in our lives. She answered all our questions and gave us excellent advice. We followed her directions from start to finish and the process went smoothly. Having [...]
She is like your favorite professor who just happens to be a spitfire attorney and advocate for understanding, support, kindness and knowledge.
“She is like your favorite professor who just happens to be a spitfire attorney and advocate for understanding, support, kindness and knowledge.” N.B. I can't describe in a short review how much Diane and her team changed my life. I'm not being dramatic or cheesey. I had [...]
Diane, Thank you so much!
"Diane, Thank you so much!" G.S. Diane, Thank you so much! You did a fantastic job and made this complex process so easy to understand. As you know I interviewed a different Attorney first. I’m so happy I choose you! You are by far the most informed person on [...]
I appreciate all your support and compassion
"I appreciate all your support and compassion." M.C. After a divorce I found myself in a situation where I needed to file bankruptcy. I hired Diane and could not be more pleased. Thank you so much for all your hard work on my case. I appreciate all your support [...]
Overall grade for help received from Diane and her staff – 110%
"Overall grade for help received from Diane and her staff – 110%" N. Overall grade for help received from Diane and her staff – 110%. Now I can breath and it is thanks to Diane.
You allowed me to be human and treated me with dignity
"You allowed me to be human and treated me with dignity." K.M. I know that you are acutely aware of how deeply emotional and draining financial problems are. You took the time to talk with me about our foreclosure and 2nd mortgage. You allowed me to be human [...]
she made things so easy to understand
“she made things so easy to understand” J.C. I could not have made a better choice than Diane to help me with my bankruptcy case. During what is a very difficult and stressful time, she made things so easy to understand and the process could not have [...]
Diane and Jay are caring professionals providing exemplary representation
“I found the Law Office of D.L. Drain to be caring professionals providing exemplary representation…” R.B. Disability and subsequent early retirement caused a growing realization of the need to pursue bankruptcy. I started the process of selecting an attorney with fear and trepidation. [...]
Discharge in Bankruptcy – the basics
Reprint from the United States Bankruptcy Court The bankruptcy discharge varies depending on the type of case a debtor files: Chapter 7, 11, 12, or [...]
Beyond the Bankruptcy Paperwork: It’s Not Just Filling Out Forms, and Understanding The Attorney’s Role
Many people, including inexperienced attorneys, think that bankruptcy is simple. To quote a first-year law student on their first day in bankruptcy class, "It is [...]
A Cautionary Tale for Arizona Homeowners
After 100 Years of Protecting Homeowners, Arizona's Law Changes to Give Creditors New Rights to Take Your Home Depending on the [...]
The Lowdown on Business Bankruptcy: What You Need to Know
Bankruptcy is a complex process that can have significant implications for your business and personal finances. Before considering business bankruptcy as an option for [...]





