Deficiency Judgments After Foreclosure in Michigan

In a foreclosure, the total debt that the borrower owes sometimes exceeds the foreclosure sale price. The difference between the total debt and the sale price is called a "deficiency."

In some states, including Michigan, the foreclosing bank can seek a personal judgment, called a "deficiency judgment," against the debtor to recover the deficiency. Generally, depending on state law, once the bank gets a deficiency judgment against you, the bank may collect this amount—in our example, $50,000—through conventional collection methods, like garnishing your wages or levying your bank account.

Again, if your Michigan home sells at a foreclosure sale for less than you owe on your mortgage loan, the foreclosing bank is able to get a deficiency judgment. But, under specific circumstances, you can challenge the deficiency.

How Foreclosure Works in Michigan

Most foreclosures in Michigan are nonjudicial, which means the bank does not have to go through court. Judicial foreclosures are allowed too. In a judicial foreclosure, the bank forecloses through the state court system.

Deficiency Judgments Following Nonjudicial Foreclosures

In Michigan, the foreclosing bank may get a deficiency judgment following a nonjudicial foreclosure by filing a lawsuit.

You Can Challenge a Deficiency Judgment If the Bank Is the Buyer

At the foreclosure sale, which is an auction, the foreclosing bank will usually make a "credit bid." With a credit bid, the bank bids the debt that the borrower owes. Basically, the bank gets a credit in this amount. The bank can bid the full amount of the debt, including foreclosure fees and costs, or it might bid less. If the bank is the highest bidder at the sale, it becomes the new owner of the property.

The borrower can contest the deficiency if the bank was the purchaser at the foreclosure sale, and

• the property was fairly worth the amount of the debt at the time of the sale, or
• the foreclosure sale price was substantially less than the property's fair market value. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.3280).

If you're able to prove to the court that one of these circumstances applies, you can reduce or eliminate your liability for the deficiency.

Deficiency Judgments and Judicial Foreclosures

If the bank chooses to pursue a judicial foreclosure, it may obtain a deficiency judgment as part of the judicial foreclosure process. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.3150). As part of the foreclosure, that court may fix a minimum sale price that a buyer must bid for the property. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.3155).

Deficiency Judgment After a Short Sale or Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure in Michigan

A "short sale" is when you sell your home for less than the total debt you owe, and the proceeds of the sale pay off a portion of the balance. A "deed in lieu of foreclosure" (deed in lieu) is when a bank agrees to accept a deed to the property instead of foreclosing. (With a deed in lieu, the deficiency amount is the difference between the total debt and the fair market value of the property.)

In Michigan, the bank may get a deficiency judgment after a short sale or deed in lieu. To avoid a deficiency judgment with either of these kinds of transactions, the agreement must expressly state that the bank waives its right to the deficiency. If the contract doesn't contain this waiver, the bank may file a lawsuit to get a deficiency judgment. Though, if the bank forgives the deficiency, you might have tax consequences.

Getting Help

If you're facing a foreclosure in Michigan and want to learn more about the process, including whether you have any defenses to the action, consider consulting with a foreclosure attorney. A foreclosure attorney can also explain various options that might be available to prevent a foreclosure. If you can't afford to hire a lawyer, a HUD-approved housing counselor is a good source of information.