This isn't the kind of acceleration that gets your blood pumping. This is the kind that gets your blood boiling. If you are the unfortunate owner of a note that contains an acceleration clause, take notice.

The concept of acceleration is used to determine the amount owed under foreclosure. Acceleration allows the mortgage holder to declare the entire debt of a defaulted mortgagor due and payable, when a term in the mortgage has been broken. If a mortgage is taken, for instance, on a $10,000 property and monthly payments are required, the mortgage holder can demand the mortgagor make good on the entire $10,000 if the mortgagor fails to make one or more of those payments.

Lenders may also accelerate a loan if terms are there is a transfer clause, obligating mortgagor to notify the lender of any transfer, whether; a lease-option, lease-hold of 3 years or more, land contracts, agreement for deed, transfer of title or interest in the property.

The vast majority (but not all) of mortgages today have acceleration clauses. The holder of a mortgage without this clause has only two options: either to wait until all of the payments come due or convince a court to compel a sale of some parts of the property in lieu of the past due payments. Alternatively, the court may order the property sold subject to the mortgage, with the proceeds from the sale going to the payments owed the mortgage holder.

If you have a question about this topic, or any other legal topic, call the Law Office of Andrew E. Farmer for a free consultation at (865) 428-6737. We serve clients throughout East Tennessee and in other states. If you live in the Knoxville, Kingsport, or Sevierville area give us a call. If you were injured while on vacation in East Tennessee, we want to help you.