What is an Overlying Mortgage? A Comprehensive Legal Overview
Definition & Meaning
An overlying mortgage is a type of mortgage that ranks lower in priority compared to another mortgage on the same property. This means that if the property is sold or foreclosed, the lender holding the senior mortgage is paid first. In essence, the overlying mortgage is subordinate, making it riskier for lenders, as they may only receive repayment after the higher-priority mortgage is satisfied.
Legal Use & context
Overlying mortgages are commonly encountered in real estate transactions, particularly in situations involving multiple loans secured by the same property. They are relevant in various legal contexts, including mortgage financing, foreclosure proceedings, and property sales. Users may need to understand overlying mortgages when dealing with refinancing, purchasing properties with existing loans, or negotiating terms with lenders. Legal templates from US Legal Forms can assist users in managing these situations effectively.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A homeowner has a first mortgage of $200,000 and takes out a second mortgage of $50,000 to fund home improvements. In this case, the second mortgage is an overlying mortgage, as it is subordinate to the first mortgage.
Example 2: A property owner sells their home for $300,000, but still owes $250,000 on the first mortgage and $30,000 on the overlying mortgage. The first mortgage lender will be paid first, and the remaining funds will go to the second lender. (hypothetical example)