Do you really own a house if you have a mortgage?

When you purchase a home via a mortgage loan, as a borrower you are, in fact, a homeowner free to make decisions pertinent to the property (decor, renovations, construction, etc.) Simply put, yes, you do own your home but your mortgage lender does have interest in the property based on documents signed at closing.

Who owns a mortgaged house?

A mortgage is a temporary transfer of property in order to secure a loan of money. The person who owns the land is the ‘mortgagor’. The person lending the money is the ‘mortgagee’.

Do you ever own your home?

You don’t own your home “free & clear” because if you stop paying your property taxes, you will lose your home. Unless you have an allodial title to your property (which is practically nonexistent in the US), you don’t really own your home, even if you don’t have a mortgage since you have to pay property taxes.

Are you still liable for mortgage after foreclosure?

When a borrower loses their home to foreclosure and still owes their lender money after the sale, the remaining debt is usually referred to as a deficiency. Lenders can sue to recover this amount.

Is it cheaper to own a house or rent?

In every metro area studied, the monthly expenses associated with renting were more affordable than owning a home backed by a mortgage. On average, renters paid $606 less than homeowners with a mortgage each month on housing costs, which also include utilities, taxes and fees.

Can a bank own a house?

A bank-owned property is acquired by a financial institution when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage. These properties then sell at a discounted price, much lower than current home prices, as buyers are wary of the costs of potential repairs that might be needed.

Who has deeds to my house?

Original title deeds are usually stored with a solicitor or conveyancer who acted on the last sale of the property. Alternatively, you may find they have been retained by your mortgage provider if you have a mortgage on the property.

What would happen if you bought a house and later found out that there were unpaid liens against the property?

What would happen if you bought a house and later found out that there were unpaid liens against the property? Nothing. The former owner owes the money on the liens. The lien claimants would lose their liens against your property.

What happens if you walk away from a mortgage?

If you decide walking away from your mortgage is what you want to do, you’d just stop making the monthly payment on your mortgage note. Either way, if you stop making your mortgage payments, you’ll soon be in default, and your lender will foreclose.