A Look At The Friendly Foreclosure Option

Introduction

When a debtor defaults on a loan, a secured lender has several options for repayment. One option is a foreclosure sale under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC").¹ An Article 9 sale can maximize the secured lender's recovery without the cost and delay of a judicial foreclosure sale or a sale under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code and without certain hurdles presented by a direct sale between the debtor and a buyer. If a buyer or the secured lender determines the Article 9 sale is the preferred route, there are procedures to consider. This article discusses the procedures of an Article 9 sale as well as the advantages and pitfalls involved. Section I explains the sale remedy, section II describes the mechanics of the sale process, section III discusses the advantages, and section IV points out potential pitfalls.