Chapter 13 is the repayment-plan chapter, designed to let individuals catch up on debts (including a mortgage arrearage) over time while keeping their property. But sometimes selling makes more sense than struggling through the plan. Brian Cooper helps Simi Valley and Santa Clarita Valley homeowners in Chapter 13 weigh keeping versus selling, in coordination with their attorney and trustee.

Direct AnswerChapter 13 lets a homeowner keep the home by curing mortgage arrears through a court-approved repayment plan, but the homeowner can also choose to sell, which generally requires court or trustee approval and proper handling of the proceeds and remaining plan. Brian provides an honest value so you can compare keeping and selling, and runs the sale if you proceed. Confirm approval requirements and plan effects with your bankruptcy attorney.
Information current as of 2026.

Keep or sell, an honest comparison

Chapter 13's purpose is to let you keep property by repaying arrears over a plan period. That works well when your income supports the plan and you want to stay. But if the payments strain you, or you have significant equity, selling can pay down debts and give you a fresh start. Selling during Chapter 13 generally needs court or trustee approval.

There is no one right answer, only your numbers. Brian gives you a credible value and an estimate of net proceeds, so you and your attorney can compare staying on the plan versus selling. The legal and plan-feasibility analysis is your attorney's; the value is Brian's.

Important: This page is general information for educational purposes — it is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Every situation differs. Confirm your rights, deadlines, court procedures, and any current fees or dollar figures with a licensed California attorney, CPA, or qualified fiduciary before acting. Brian Cooper is a REALTOR®, not an attorney or tax adviser.

The steps Brian walks you through

  1. Your attorney explains your plan, arrears, and the approval needed to sell.
  2. Brian provides an accurate value and a net-proceeds estimate after liens and costs.
  3. You and your attorney compare keeping (continuing the plan) versus selling.
  4. If selling, your attorney seeks court or trustee approval of the sale.
  5. Brian lists and markets the home transparently within the approved process.
  6. Escrow closes; proceeds pay liens and address the plan as the court directs.

When selling can be the fresh start

If equity is substantial, selling can satisfy creditors and leave you cash to restart, sometimes a cleaner outcome than years of payments. If you are attached to the home and the plan is affordable, keeping it is often right. Brian respects either choice and simply makes sure you decide with real numbers for the Simi Valley or Santa Clarita Valley market.

Who you'll coordinate with

  • Your bankruptcy attorney — plan feasibility, approval to sell, and proceeds handling.
  • The Chapter 13 trustee — who reviews and must often approve a sale.
  • A CPA — tax questions on a sale.
  • Brian — honest valuation, net-proceeds estimate, marketing, and escrow.

How Brian makes it smoother

Brian gives Chapter 13 homeowners a judgment-free, numbers-first read on keeping versus selling. If you keep the home, great. If you sell, he runs a clean, approved sale across Simi Valley and the Santa Clarita Valley, coordinating with your attorney and trustee throughout.

Equal service for every homeowner

Brian serves every client equally and welcomes all buyers and sellers without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or any other protected characteristic. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my home in Chapter 13?

Often yes. Chapter 13 is designed to let you cure mortgage arrears through a repayment plan while keeping the home, if your income supports the plan. Your attorney confirms feasibility.

Can I sell my home during Chapter 13?

Yes, but it generally requires court or trustee approval, and the proceeds and remaining plan must be handled properly. Your attorney guides the process.

How do I decide whether to keep or sell?

Compare the numbers: plan affordability and your attachment to the home versus your equity and a fresh start. Brian provides value and net proceeds so you can compare clearly.

Does selling need trustee approval?

Generally the court or trustee must approve a sale and how proceeds are applied. Your attorney handles the request.

What happens to the sale proceeds?

They typically pay liens and address the plan as the court directs; any remainder may go to you. A CPA advises on taxes.

Is this legal advice?

No. This is general information. Your bankruptcy attorney and CPA must confirm plan effects, approvals, deadlines, and taxes for your situation.

Related on this site