Gave up house, moved out.... now what?

[HeatherB]

I think it's sad that I have to come here to "verify" things that the ladies in my attorney's office tell me. lol I just actually trust this forum as much (sometimes more) than that pretty girl at the reception desk.

So, I converted from a 13 to a 7 and gave up the house. Did not hear ANYTHING from the mortgage company and have already moved out. (Woo Hoo!!!) I've scheduled the power to be shut off for today. Need I contact my mortgage company to let them know? Just wondering about pipes breaking, etc. Or vandalism to the place (since people in the area are aware that I've moved).

Gosh - just call me a worry wort. But I can't help but think that anything bad that can happen.... will happen. Such is my luck.

The lady at my attorney's office said it didn't matter either way, but I really don't think she knows anything other than how to transfer calls and look pretty.

Advice??

[HHM]

You should notify the mortgage company, but in the end, it doesn't matter one way or the other.

[One Half Full]

It might be nice to drain the pipes and the water-heater.

[HeatherB]

Okay, I went ahead and called them. I hate that because now they will put it on my credit reports. The guy I talked with said that he didn't have the Chapter 7 in his files. Whaaaa?? I gave him my lawyers name/number, case number, etc. Then stated that I was calling to let them know that I had moved and my power was going to be shut. He informed me that it was correct of me to contact them because if anything would happen to the property, I would be held responsible for it. Is that true?? How would they know what the house looked like before I moved out? (FTR, I tore up all the carpet due to a previous flea infestation and never got around to fixing the floors..... will they try to charge me for that? Can they do that?) Crap, now I'm nervous all over again.

[FreshLikeADaisy]

I think you were right to distrust your atty's receptionist (or paralegal, whatever). You should definitely talk to the attorney, who can tell you whether it is actually true that you will be held responsible, and also what is at stake for you in this. A lot of that has to do with state law and deficiency judgements, so it's definitely worth a chat with him. And stop worrying until you do: until you know for sure what's going on, worry is wasted energy.

Look at the (sort of) bright side though: you are filing BK and if you included the mortgage as a creditor, the BK is going to change everything in terms of what you may be liable for, including damage that would be included in a deficiency judgement. Also, BK shows up on your credit bureau anyway, you haven't lost a thing by telling the mortgage co.

Good luck!