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North Carolina allows deficiency judgments:

2:33
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Audio Lesson

Duration: 2:33

Question & Answer

Review the question and all answer choices

A

Never

This is incorrect because North Carolina does allow deficiency judgments under proper circumstances. Assuming they are 'never' allowed reflects a misunderstanding of NC foreclosure law and potential lender remedies.

B

Only through judicial foreclosure

This is incorrect because North Carolina allows deficiency judgments not only through judicial foreclosure but also in other circumstances when proper procedures are followed. Restricting it to judicial foreclosure is too narrow.

C

Yes, if the lender follows proper procedures

Correct Answer
D

Only for commercial properties

This is incorrect because North Carolina allows deficiency judgments for both residential and commercial properties when proper procedures are followed. Restricting it to commercial properties only is inaccurate.

Why is this correct?

North Carolina allows deficiency judgments when lenders follow proper procedures, including determining fair value. This is the most accurate statement as it acknowledges both the allowance of deficiency judgments and the procedural requirements that must be met.

Deep Analysis

AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept

Understanding deficiency judgments is crucial in North Carolina real estate practice because directly impacts both buyers and lenders in foreclosure situations. This concept matters because it determines potential liability for borrowers after foreclosure and affects risk assessment for lenders. The question tests knowledge of North Carolina's specific foreclosure laws. The correct answer requires understanding that NC allows deficiency judgments but only when proper procedures are followed. The challenge lies in distinguishing between judicial and non-judicial foreclosure processes and their implications. Many students confuse deficiency judgment rules across states, assuming all states follow the same approach. This connects to broader real estate knowledge about foreclosure processes, lender remedies, and borrower liability.

Knowledge Background

Essential context and foundational knowledge

Deficiency judgments occur when a foreclosed property sells for less than the outstanding loan balance, creating a 'deficiency.' In North Carolina, lenders can pursue deficiency judgments but must follow specific procedures. This includes obtaining a fair market value determination of the property and proper notice to the borrower. These requirements protect borrowers from excessive liability while still allowing lenders to recover losses. Most states have some form of deficiency judgment provisions, though the requirements and limitations vary significantly by state.

Memory Technique
acronym

PROPER: Procedures Required, Orderly process, Proper notice, Examine value, Recovery limited

Remember that NC deficiency judgments require PROPER procedures before lenders can recover the deficiency amount.

Exam Tip

When questions ask about deficiency judgments, look for options that mention proper procedures or requirements rather than absolute statements like 'always' or 'never.' Most states allow them with conditions.

Real World Application

How this concept applies in actual real estate practice

A North Carolina real estate agent is working with a buyer who purchased a property at the foreclosure auction. The property was appraised at $250,000 before foreclosure, but the outstanding mortgage was $300,000. The buyer purchased it at auction for $220,000. The buyer asks if the previous owner might still owe money. The agent explains that in North Carolina, the lender could potentially pursue a deficiency judgment of $80,000 if they followed proper procedures including fair value determination, but the buyer's purchase price doesn't directly affect this potential deficiency.

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