Bankruptcy Doesn't Mean Losing Everything. Let's Protect What We Can.
Whether you're filing Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or working with a trustee, we understand the rules and timelines. Our team helps you navigate the real estate side so you can focus on your fresh start.
If You're Facing Bankruptcy, You're Not Alone
Life happens. Medical bills, job loss, divorce, business failure — there are many paths that lead here. What matters now is making the best decisions with what you have.
You're filing Chapter 7 and need to know if you can keep your home — or if selling is the smarter move.
You're in Chapter 13 and need court approval to sell. The paperwork feels overwhelming.
A trustee has been appointed and needs to liquidate the property. You want it handled right.
You're behind on the mortgage and considering bankruptcy to stop foreclosure.
You don't know if selling before or after filing is the right move — you need guidance.
You're embarrassed and just want this handled quietly and professionally.
Whatever brought you here, there's no judgment. We've helped families in all of these situations. Our job is to help you make the best real estate decisions within your circumstances.
Understanding Your Options
Different types of bankruptcy have different implications for your home. Here's a simplified overview:
"Liquidation" Bankruptcy
Debts are discharged, but non-exempt assets may be sold. If your home has significant equity above Michigan's homestead exemption, the trustee may sell it.
- Faster process (typically 3-6 months)
- Home may be sold if equity exceeds exemption limits
- Trustee controls the sale of non-exempt assets
- You may be able to keep your home if equity is protected
- We can help you understand your options before filing
"Reorganization" Bankruptcy
You keep your assets but follow a 3-5 year repayment plan. You can sell your home, but need court approval first.
- Keep your property while repaying debts
- Selling requires court approval (motion to sell)
- Sale proceeds may go toward repayment plan
- More control, but more paperwork
- We know the process and work with your attorney
This is general information, not legal advice. Always consult with a bankruptcy attorney about your specific situation.
How Our Team Helps
We work alongside you and your bankruptcy attorney to handle the real estate piece properly.
Accurate Valuations
Court-ready CMAs and appraisal coordination so everyone knows what the property is actually worth.
Trustee Coordination
If a trustee is involved, we work with them directly. We understand the process and reporting requirements.
Court Approval Support
For Chapter 13 sales, we provide the documentation needed for your motion to sell.
Property Preparation
We coordinate any needed repairs, cleanouts, or staging — even if you've already moved out.
Timeline Management
Bankruptcy has deadlines. We build our marketing and sale strategy around your court dates.
Complete Discretion
Your situation stays private. We handle everything professionally with no unnecessary attention.
Trusted During Difficult Times
"We started working with Joel when the market was slow and we were upside down on our condo. He stuck with us for many years, continuously re-evaluating the market and our situation. When the time finally came where we could sell, he made the process very easy."
Underwater Property, Patient Long-Term Support
"Joel and his associates handled the sale of our home of 45 years very efficiently and professionally. Every question we had was answered quickly and our home was sold in less than a month. Everything along the way and the closing went smoothly."
Efficient, Professional Process
"Joel and Kelly are everything you could ask for in a Real Estate Team. They are caring, compassionate, and understanding. During a difficult transition for my family, they took all the stress away."
Difficult Family Transition
For Bankruptcy Attorneys
A Real Estate Team That Understands the Process
When your clients need to sell real estate as part of bankruptcy, you need a team that won't create complications.
Accurate, Defensible Valuations
CMAs and appraisal coordination that hold up to scrutiny from trustees and courts.
Motion-Ready Documentation
For Chapter 13 sales, we provide the sale details your motion needs.
Trustee Collaboration
We work directly with Chapter 7 trustees and understand their requirements.
Deadline Awareness
We understand bankruptcy timelines and build our process around them.
Clear Communication
You won't chase us for updates. We keep you informed throughout.
Discreet Handling
We treat your clients with dignity and handle sensitive situations appropriately.
Let's Discuss How We Can Support Your Clients
A quick call can establish whether we're the right fit for your bankruptcy real estate referrals.
Schedule Attorney ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the process depends on which chapter you've filed. In Chapter 7, the trustee may control the sale of non-exempt assets. In Chapter 13, you can sell but need court approval first. We can help you understand what applies to your situation.
Let's discuss your situation →It depends on your equity, exemptions, and goals. Selling before filing has risks — the court can investigate recent sales. Selling after gives you more protection but more process. Your bankruptcy attorney should advise, and we can help execute either approach.
Schedule a consultation →Not necessarily. Michigan has a homestead exemption that protects a certain amount of equity. If your equity is below the exemption limit, you may be able to keep your home. This is a question for your bankruptcy attorney, but we can help with the valuation.
Get a property valuation →Your bankruptcy attorney files a motion with details about the sale — buyer, price, terms, proceeds distribution. We provide the documentation they need. The court reviews it to ensure creditors are treated fairly, then approves or denies.
Learn more about the process →In Chapter 7, the trustee may be appointed to sell non-exempt assets including real estate. We work directly with trustees, providing valuations, marketing, and managing the sale process according to their requirements.
Discuss trustee coordination →Completely. While bankruptcy filings are public record, we handle our work discreetly. We don't advertise that a sale is bankruptcy-related, and we treat every client with dignity regardless of their circumstances.
Request confidential consultation →We serve Southeast Michigan: Livingston County (Brighton, Howell, Hartland), Oakland County (Milford, South Lyon, Novi), Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor, Dexter), and surrounding areas.
Confirm we cover your area →There's a Path Forward. Let's Find It Together.
A confidential conversation can help you understand your options and what the real estate piece looks like. No judgment, no pressure — just clarity from a team that's helped many families through this.
Schedule Confidential ConsultationOr call: 800-417-0117
100% confidential. We're here to help.