What can I do if my late grandma's mortgage lender won't help me take over the loan?

Hey Sierra! You may have options without refinancing! Under federal law, certain heirs who inherit a mortgaged property can become successors in interest, allowing them to take over mortgage payments without qualifying for an entirely new loan. Contact the lender's successor-in-interest department, provide proof of inheritance, and request recognition of your rights under the existing mortgage. Keep making payments to avoid falling behind, and consider consulting a real estate attorney if the lender continues to be unhelpful. You can also file a complaint with the CFPB. Don't assume refinancing is your only option! Have questions about inheriting or keeping a family property? Contact me, your local realtor, and let's explore your options! Diya Sarin | DRE 02095684 📞 818.799.7230 📧 [email protected] 🌐 diyasellsla.com IG: diyasellsla

Sierra, I would suggest speaking with an attorney as there are many precautions that should take place prior to transferring into your name to ensure there aren't repercussions in the future. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

Sorry about your grandma, and sorry the loan company is giving you the runaround. The good news is that you very likely don't have to refinance. Federal law (the Garn-St Germain Act) says a lender can't call the loan due just because a home passes to a relative after the borrower dies, as long as it's a 1-4 unit residential property. And under the CFPB's servicing rules, you can be treated as a "successor in interest," which means the servicer has to deal with you on the loan. Here's what I'd do: 1. Send the servicer a written request, not just a phone call. Say you're a successor in interest and ask for their list of documents to confirm you. That's usually the death certificate plus proof you own the home, like the will, trust, probate paperwork or a deed. 2. Keep making the payments on time while you sort it out. Ask for the current balance and who's paying the property taxes and insurance, and make sure the insurance stays active. 3. If they keep stonewalling, file a complaint at consumerfinance.gov. That puts it on the record, and the servicer has to respond. 4. Since you're in California, talk to a probate attorney about how the house actually gets into your name and whether it has to go through probate. That part depends on whether there was a will or a trust. If you decide to keep or sell the home, I'm happy to help with the real estate side. Joe Foxx, DRE #02047329, Rose District

It's not that simple. Does she have a Will? What about a Trust? Without a Trust, you may still need to go through Probate. I am not an attorney so I would recommend seeking one out on this one.

You may be able to keep your grandmother's existing loan without refinancing. Write to the mortgage servicer requesting recognition as a "successor in interest" and ask what documents it needs to verify your inherited ownership. Once confirmed, you generally can receive loan information and continue payments without refinancing or formally assuming the debt. Putting the loan in your name is a separate assumption process. Keep payments current if possible. If the servicer continues giving you the runaround, submit a CFPB complaint and consult a California probate attorney to confirm the ownership transfer and help protect your rights.