Property, Vehicles, and Utilities
What if the house is underwater — worth less than the mortgage?
Short answer
The estate is responsible for the mortgage, not you personally — unless you co-signed. Options: sell the home in a short sale (lender agrees to accept less than owed), let it go to foreclosure, or negotiate with the lender. Consult a real…
What this usually means
The estate is responsible for the mortgage, not you personally — unless you co-signed. Options: sell the home in a short sale (lender agrees to accept less than owed), let it go to foreclosure, or negotiate with the lender. Consult a real estate attorney before deciding.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.