How to File Motion to Sell Prop in Ch 13 Bankruptcy?
- Selling property during Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be complicated and time-sensitive.
- Notify your bankruptcy attorney to handle paperwork and get court approval quickly.
- Call The Credit Pros for expert advice on managing credit and understanding how selling will impact your Chapter 13 plan.
Pull your 3-bureau report and see how you can identify and remove errors on your report.
•89 people started their credit fight today - join them!


Related content: What's an adversary proceeding in bankruptcy court
Contact your bankruptcy attorney right away to file a motion to sell property in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. They'll handle the paperwork, including property details, sale price, and how to split the money. The court needs to approve, which can take 20-30 days, so don't drag your feet.
Selling property during bankruptcy isn't a walk in the park. You've got to explain why you're selling, let creditors know, and wait for the court's green light. The trustee will check how the sale affects your repayment plan and what it means for creditors. Time is of the essence – buyers might bail if things take too long.
Don't go it alone. Give The Credit Pros a ring now for some expert advice. We'll take a look at your credit situation and help you figure out how selling property shakes up your Chapter 13 plan. Our team's got your back, making sure you're making smart moves for your financial future.
On This Page:
How Do I File A Chapter 13 Property Sale Motion
To file a Chapter 13 property sale motion, you should start by contacting your bankruptcy attorney immediately. They'll handle the necessary paperwork and court communications for you.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Gather key information:
• You should get an appraisal to determine your property's value
• Decide on a proposed sale price
• Create a plan for distributing the proceeds
2. Work with your attorney to file a motion to sell. This will include:
• Details about your property
• Information about the potential buyer
• Terms of the sale
• How you plan to use the proceeds
3. Wait for the trustee to review your motion. They'll assess if the sale is reasonable and benefits your creditors.
4. If the trustee approves, your attorney will file for court permission on your behalf.
5. Be patient during the 20-30 day approval process. It's normal for there to be extra scrutiny in bankruptcy cases.
6. Once you get approval, you can proceed with the sale as usual.
7. After closing, you should promptly file a statement of sale with your trustee.
8. Follow the trustee's instructions carefully when distributing the proceeds. This might involve paying creditors or adjusting your repayment plan.
Remember, you can't sell your property without court approval. We strongly advise you to work closely with your attorney throughout this process. They'll ensure you comply with all requirements and avoid any issues with your bankruptcy case.
To put it simply, you should start by talking to your lawyer, gather all the necessary info, and then let your attorney guide you through the legal process. Just remember to be patient and follow the rules, and you'll be able to sell your property successfully while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
What Documents Do I Need For A Chapter 13 Sale Motion
When filing a Chapter 13 sale motion, you'll need several key documents:
• Motion to Sell: You must outline property details, sale terms, and your justification for the sale.
• Supporting Affidavit: You should provide facts that back up your motion.
• Proposed Order: You need to draft an order for the judge to sign if approved.
• Notice of Motion: You must inform creditors and interested parties about the sale.
• Certificate of Service: You need to prove you've notified all required parties.
• Property Valuation: You should include a recent appraisal or market analysis.
• Sale Agreement: You must attach the contract with the buyer.
• Lien Information: You need to list all liens and encumbrances on the property.
• Financial Statements: You should show how the sale impacts your Chapter 13 plan.
You must file these documents with your bankruptcy court. We advise you to consult your trustee or attorney to ensure you comply with local rules. They can guide you through the timing, potential objections, and how the proceeds fit into your repayment plan.
Remember, you'll need court approval before you can finalize any sale. In short, gather these documents, file them properly, and work closely with your legal team to navigate the process smoothly.
Can I Sell My Home In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Yes, you can sell your home during Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but it's not a simple process. You'll need court approval first. Here's what you should know:
We advise you to consult your bankruptcy attorney immediately. They'll guide you through the necessary steps. You'll need to file a motion with the court explaining why you want to sell and how you'll use the proceeds. Be prepared to provide details like:
• Your home's appraised value
• The sale price
• Buyer information
You'll have to wait for the trustee and judge to review and approve your request. It's crucial that you notify all creditors involved in your bankruptcy case about the pending sale.
When dealing with potential buyers, make sure they understand the sale is subject to court approval. This might affect closing timelines. Keep in mind that the court may reject deals they deem unfavorable to creditors or below market value.
You should understand that sale proceeds may go towards paying off creditors sooner or modifying your repayment plan. It's likely you won't keep all profits, as the trustee may allocate funds to settle debts.
We recommend you consider how selling impacts your overall financial situation and bankruptcy plan. Remember, while you can sell, you'll need to navigate legal hurdles.
To finish up, we want to reassure you that selling your home during Chapter 13 bankruptcy is possible. Just work closely with your attorney, follow the court's procedures, and consider how it fits into your financial recovery plan. We're here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
How Long Must I Wait To Sell Property After Filing Chapter 13
When filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can't freely sell property without court approval. All your assets become part of the bankruptcy estate upon filing. Here's what you need to know:
You must get permission from the bankruptcy court to sell any property during an active Chapter 13 case. Your attorney needs to file a motion outlining the sale details, including the buyer, price, estimated proceeds, and closing date. The court will evaluate if the sale aligns with your bankruptcy plan and creditors' interests.
The approval process can take several weeks or longer. We advise you to consult your attorney before listing the property or entering a sales contract. If the court approves the sale, you might need to use the proceeds to pay creditors, potentially changing your repayment plan terms.
After your Chapter 13 case concludes (typically 3-5 years), you have more flexibility to sell. However, you might still face restrictions if your plan didn't repay 100% of creditors' claims. Given the complexities, you should seek guidance from your bankruptcy attorney to understand:
• Specific requirements for selling property
• Potential implications on your bankruptcy case
• Optimal timing for your situation
You should also keep these key points in mind:
• Court approval is mandatory before selling during Chapter 13
• The sale must benefit creditors and align with your bankruptcy plan
• You need to consult your attorney early in the process
• Be prepared for potential changes to your repayment plan
In essence, while you can't immediately sell property after filing Chapter 13, you have options. Work closely with your attorney, follow court procedures, and consider the impact on your bankruptcy plan to navigate the process successfully.
What’S The Process For Trustee Approval To Sell In Chapter 13
To get trustee approval for selling property in Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you need to follow a specific process. Here's what you should do:
First, you must submit a written request to your trustee. In this request, you should explain why you need to sell, the property's value, the expected sale price, and how you plan to use the proceeds. You'll also need to provide supporting documents like a recent appraisal, proposed sale contract, listing agreement (if applicable), and mortgage payoff statement.
Next, your trustee will review your request. They'll consider how the sale impacts your repayment plan, its fairness to creditors, and whether it's necessary. If they approve, they'll file a motion with the court.
You'll then need to wait for court approval, which usually takes about 21 days if there are no objections. Once approved, you can proceed with the sale. After closing, you must provide the trustee with closing documents and sale proceeds.
To improve your chances of approval, we recommend you:
• Show how the sale benefits your bankruptcy plan
• Demonstrate how proceeds will pay creditors or support your living expenses
• Be transparent about all aspects of the transaction
If your request is denied, you have options. You can address the trustee's concerns and resubmit, file a motion directly with the court, or consider alternatives like loan modification or refinancing.
To wrap things up, remember that selling property during Chapter 13 can be complex. We strongly advise you to work closely with your bankruptcy attorney throughout this process to ensure you're following all necessary steps and maximizing your chances of approval.
How Are Sale Proceeds Distributed In Chapter 13
In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you'll see sale proceeds distributed in a specific order. First, mortgage holders and lienholders get paid. You can keep proceeds up to your allowed exemptions (for example, you can claim a $15,500 homestead exemption in Alabama as of 2019). The remaining money goes to the Chapter 13 Trustee for creditor payments. If there's any money left after that, it returns to you.
When you want to sell property in Chapter 13, you need to:
• Get Bankruptcy Court approval before selling
• Use a court-approved real estate agent
• List the property at fair market value
• Ensure the purchase agreement states "subject to approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court"
If you don't follow these steps, you risk having your case dismissed or the sale reversed. We strongly advise you to work closely with your attorney throughout this process. This way, you can navigate the legal requirements and maximize benefits within your Chapter 13 plan constraints.
At closing, the title company needs the Court's Order approving the sale. After exemptions, net proceeds go to the Trustee for creditor distribution. If you're filing jointly with your spouse and you both own the real estate you're selling, you can claim a combined $31,000 homestead exemption in Alabama (as of 2019).
We cannot stress enough how important it is that you never attempt to sell assets or sign contracts during Chapter 13 without discussing it with your lawyer first. By doing so, you'll avoid serious problems and potential case dismissal.
On the whole, when you're dealing with sale proceeds in Chapter 13, you should always prioritize following legal procedures and consulting your attorney. This approach will help you navigate the complex process smoothly and ensure you're making the most of your allowed exemptions.
What Challenges Might I Face Selling Property In Chapter 13
Selling property during Chapter 13 bankruptcy presents several challenges for you. You'll need court approval, which requires you to file a Motion to Sell and explain your reasons and plans for the proceeds. The court will scrutinize the sale price to ensure fair market value, potentially rejecting deals they deem unfavorable.
You might face objections from creditors, which can delay or derail the process. You'll also encounter challenges in allocating proceeds, as the trustee might claim some or all to repay debts, complicating your future housing plans.
Timing issues can arise for you. The lengthy approval process may cause buyers to back out or market conditions to shift. You must also find court-approved real estate agents and manage selling while adhering to your bankruptcy plan requirements.
To help you navigate these challenges, we recommend:
• Working closely with your bankruptcy attorney
• Preparing a thorough explanation for the sale
• Being ready to address creditor concerns
• Having a clear plan for proceeds
• Starting the process early to account for delays
Bottom line, selling property during Chapter 13 is complex, but you can manage it with expert guidance. We advise you to seek professional help to balance your legal obligations with the practical aspects of property sale.
Can I Buy A New Home In Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Yes, you can buy a new home during Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but it's challenging. You'll need court approval and a willing lender. Most lenders, including FHA, require you to be in your repayment plan for at least a year with all payments current.
Here's what you should know:
• You need to get trustee permission to take on new debt
• You must file a motion with the court explaining why you need to buy
• You have to prove financial stability and ability to handle mortgage payments
• You need to find a lender comfortable with your bankruptcy status
• You should expect stricter requirements and higher interest rates
Key challenges you'll face include limited lender options, scrutiny of your down payment source, and potential increase in Chapter 13 payments if savings are found.
To improve your chances, we recommend that you:
• Wait at least 12 months into your plan
• Maintain a perfect payment history
• Rebuild your credit carefully
• Save for a larger down payment
We understand this process can be daunting, but don't lose hope. While difficult, buying a home in Chapter 13 is possible with patience and proper planning. We advise you to work closely with your bankruptcy attorney and a knowledgeable mortgage professional to navigate the process successfully.
In a nutshell, you can buy a home during Chapter 13 bankruptcy, but you'll need to jump through some hoops. Stay patient, plan carefully, and don't hesitate to seek expert help along the way.
How Do I Get Permission To Incur Debt For A Home Purchase In Chapter 13
To get permission for a home purchase debt during Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you need to follow these steps:
1. Qualify with a lender first:
• You typically need 1+ year in Chapter 13
• Ensure all your payments to the trustee are on time
• Be aware that FHA loans have specific guidelines
2. File a motion with the court:
• You should do this well in advance, as it can take 45+ days
• Include purchase terms, proof of your income, and your budget
• Show how it will impact your current creditors
3. Provide key information:
• You need to share the purchase price and down payment details
• Include your monthly PITI payment
• Provide your current income (last 3 months' pay stubs)
• Show your resulting budget if approved
• Explain the effect on existing creditors' payouts
4. Demonstrate feasibility:
• If your new housing costs are similar to your current rent, it helps
• Be prepared for challenges if there are large increases
5. Work closely with your attorney:
• You should inform them immediately after loan qualification
• They'll guide you through the entire process
6. Be prepared for scrutiny:
• The court will examine if your new debt harms creditors
• You have better approval chances if housing costs are similar
7. Maintain bankruptcy plan integrity:
• Your new debt shouldn't interfere with current payments
• Be aware that the trustee may oppose if your plan becomes infeasible
All in all, while you're seeking permission for a home purchase during Chapter 13, remember that approval isn't guaranteed. You'll have a better chance if your request doesn't negatively impact existing creditors or your ability to fulfill the Chapter 13 plan.
What Factors Affect Mortgage Approval In Chapter 13
When seeking mortgage approval during Chapter 13 bankruptcy, several factors affect your chances. You'll need to consider:
• Waiting periods: You typically must wait 12 months into your repayment plan for government-backed loans.
• Payment history: You should maintain consistent, on-time payments within your bankruptcy plan.
• Court approval: You'll need to get permission to take on new debt.
• Credit score: You should focus on rebuilding your credit.
• Loan requirements: You must meet standard criteria like income stability and debt-to-income ratios.
You'll find that government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) are often more accessible, with more lenient criteria. Lenders generally view you more favorably as a Chapter 13 filer than Chapter 7, as your ongoing repayment shows financial responsibility.
To improve your chances, we recommend that you:
• Maintain a perfect payment history on your Chapter 13 plan and other obligations
• Save for a down payment
• Work closely with your bankruptcy trustee and potential lenders
• Understand specific loan program requirements
• Gather necessary documentation
• Consider seeking pre-approval
The gist of it is that while you can get a mortgage during Chapter 13, you'll need to plan carefully and be patient. We suggest you seek guidance from financial professionals who know about bankruptcy-related lending to help you navigate this process effectively.
How Does Selling Affect My Chapter 13 Repayment Plan
Selling property during Chapter 13 bankruptcy can significantly impact your repayment plan. You need to get the trustee's and court's approval before you proceed. Here's what you should know:
1. You must file a motion to sell, which includes an appraisal and a plan for using the proceeds.
2. Timing matters for you. If you wait 21 days after filing, you'll have more flexibility.
3. Your repayment terms might change based on the sale outcome:
• If you make more than expected, your monthly payments could increase.
• If you reduce expenses, your payments might decrease.
4. The sale proceeds may go towards:
• Paying your creditors
• Making a down payment on a new home
• Potentially discharging your debt if there's enough to cover remaining obligations
5. The trustee will scrutinize the sale to ensure it aligns with bankruptcy goals and doesn't unfairly benefit you over your creditors.
6. Selling affects your available funds and overall financial picture.
Remember, your case is unique. We recommend you consult with a bankruptcy attorney to navigate this process effectively. They can help you maintain compliance while maximizing benefits within your Chapter 13 protection.
Below is a list of related content worth checking out:
- Which Court Handles Bankruptcies in the U.S.
- Do You Always Need to Go to Court for Bankruptcy Cases
- Can I go to jail for not paying my Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan
- Do I have to attend my Chapter 13 confirmation hearing
- What Exactly Is a Bankruptcy Stay and How Does It Affect Me
- What Is an Automatic Stay in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- What's a Motion for Relief from Stay in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- Can I Go to Jail for Filing Multiple Bankruptcies
- How Do I File a Motion for Relief from Stay in Chapter 7
- What Is Presumption of Abuse in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- How do I file a motion to sell property in Chapter 13 bankruptcy
- How can I object to a Chapter 13 plan confirmation
- What Is a Bankruptcy Order for Relief and How Does It Affect Me
- Is Bankruptcy Considered a Civil Case in Court
- What Happens at a Bankruptcy Confirmation Hearing
- Is a Conversion to Chapter 7 Considered Bad Faith
- How does a co-debtor stay work in Chapter 13 bankruptcy
- What Will Courts Do If I File Chapter 7 Personal Bankruptcy
- What Happens When Someone Gets Adjudicated Bankrupt
- What Is a Final Decree in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- What Exactly Is the Bankruptcy Rule of Procedure
- How Do I File a Motion to Convert to Chapter 7 in Bankruptcy