Author Archives: BankruptcyRealEstateInsights

About BankruptcyRealEstateInsights

Vicki R. Harding was a partner in the Detroit office of Pepper Hamilton LLP who moved to Arizona seeking warmer weather. Ms. Harding continues to handle commercial transactions with an emphasis on real estate and bankruptcy issues (but no longer owns a snow shovel).

Designating Votes: Selfish Informed Self Interest v. Untoward Advantage

Pacific Western Bank v. Fagerdala USA-Lompoc, Inc. (In re Fagerdala USA-Lompoc, Inc.), 891 F.3d 848 (9th Cir. 2018) – A secured creditor sought to block a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization by purchasing claims from some of the creditors in the … Continue reading

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Avoiding an Unrecorded Mortgage: Variations on a Theme

Miranda v. Banco Popular De Puerto Rico (In re Mercado), 587 B.R. 224 (Bankr. D. P.R. 2018) – A chapter 7 trustee sought to avoid an unrecorded mortgage and preserve the lien for the benefit of the bankruptcy estate. The decision … Continue reading

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Reverse Mortgages: Ignore Loan Documents at Your Peril

D’Alessio v. CIT Bank, N.A., 587 B.R. 211 (Bankr. D. Mass 2018) – A chapter 13 debtor sought a court determination that he was a “Borrower” for purposes of a reverse mortgage executed by his deceased wife. The mortgagee disagreed contending … Continue reading

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Mortgage Assignee Claims: Hang on To That Promissory Note

In re Benyamin, 587 B.R. 243 (Bankr. S.D. N.Y. 2018) – Chapter 11 debtors objected to a proof of claim that appeared to be filed by a servicer on behalf of an assignee of the original mortgagee. The court considered both … Continue reading

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Shopping Center Leases: Some Ins and Outs of Use and Exclusivity Provisions

Toys “R” Us, Inc., 587 B.R. 304 (Bankr. E.D. Va. 2018) – The debtors sought court approval of the assumption and assignment of a shopping center lease. The landlord objected on the grounds that the assignment would not comply with exclusivity … Continue reading

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Leases: Prepetition Termination May Be A Get Out of Bankruptcy Free Card – Or Not

In re Indiana Hotel Equities, LLC, 586 B.R. 870 (E.D. Mich. 2018) – The debtor leased nonresidential real property under a lease that was terminated before the bankruptcy petition was filed. The lessor filed a motion seeking a bankruptcy court order … Continue reading

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