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Homeowners/Dillon, SC/Underwater Mortgage

Underwater Mortgage & Negative Equity in Dillon, SC

Homeowners in Dillon, SC owing more than their home is worth need clear options. Find short sale attorneys, HUD counselors, and loan modification resources.

✓Local Dillon resources✓Verified contacts✓Updated regularly

Situation overview

When your mortgage balance exceeds your home value in Dillon, SC, you have options. South Carolina requires lenders to expressly reserve deficiency rights in court (S.C. Code 29-3-630), and borrowers can petition for an independent appraisal to reduce or eliminate a deficiency. A HUD counselor can help you evaluate all paths.

What to do first

When your mortgage balance exceeds your home value in Dillon, you have more options than you think. Short sale, loan modification, refinance, and strategic selling each have different timelines and consequences for your credit and finances.

Start with

  1. Get a current market valuation and compare it to your payoff amount before making any decisions.
  2. Contact your servicer early — loss mitigation options are more available before you miss payments.
  3. Work with a HUD counselor to understand deficiency judgment rules in SC before agreeing to a short sale.

Avoid

  1. Walk away from the property without understanding deficiency judgment risks in SC.
  2. Accept a short sale approval without written confirmation that the lender waives the deficiency.
  3. Assume refinancing is impossible — FHA Streamline and VA IRRRL programs may work even underwater.

SC law reference

Key legal facts for underwater mortgage situations in South Carolina.

Homestead exemption
South Carolina homestead exemption is adjusted periodically (about $63,250; verify current statutory amount).

Step-by-step action plan

A starting path you can follow before committing to any contract or agreement.

  1. Request a current payoff statement from your lender and compare it to a realistic home valuation.
  2. Contact your servicer's loss mitigation department to ask about short sale approval, loan modification, or forbearance.
  3. Consult a HUD-approved housing counselor to review all options before committing to any path.

Who to contact in Dillon

Underwater Mortgage Attorneys

Curry & Byrd Law Firm, P.A. (Charles E. Curry)

Charles E. Curry (USC School of Law LL.B. 1965) has practiced from 107 S 3rd Avenue IN Dillon for over 60 years. AV Preeminent peer-review rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Served as Dillon County Attorney (1978) and City of Dillon Attorney (1979-1988). Handles real estate, general civil practice, and personal injury.

(843) 774-9075

107 S 3rd Ave, Dillon, SC 29536

Curry & Byrd — real estate and general practice

McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. (E. Leary McKenzie)

Attorney Leary McKenzie (USC School of Law, honors; Articles Editor, SC Law Review; intern for U.S. District Judge J. Michelle Childs) returned to his hometown of Dillon in 2014. Licensed in SC and NC, admitted to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Practices from 204 N 1st Avenue handling real estate, probate, estate planning, bankruptcy, and family law.

(843) 627-4235

204 N 1st Ave, Dillon, SC 29536

McKenzie Law Firm — real estate and estate planning

Stone Law Firm (Daniel R. Stone)

Attorney Daniel R. Stone has focused exclusively on bankruptcy and debt relief for over 25 years. Florence office at 181 E Evans Street serves Dillon, Darlington, Marion, and the entire Pee Dee region. Handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, wage garnishment defense, and creditor harassment. Free consultations available.

(843) 800-8281

181 E Evans St, Florence, SC 29506

Stone Law Firm — bankruptcy and debt relief

Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention

HUD Housing Counselor Referral Line

Federal HUD counselor locator and hotline for Dillon homeowners who need foreclosure-prevention counseling, loan-workout planning, and loss-mitigation guidance in Dillon County.

Find a HUD-approved housing counselor

SC Housing Finance and Development Authority

South Carolina state agency providing homeowner assistance programs, foreclosure-prevention resources, and referrals to HUD-approved counseling agencies serving Dillon County.

SC Housing homeowner assistance

Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid

South Carolina Legal Services — Florence Office

Free civil legal services for income-eligible Dillon County residents including housing, foreclosure defense, eviction, consumer protection, and public benefits.

SC Legal Services statewide helpline

SC Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Statewide lawyer referral service connecting Dillon homeowners with private attorneys for foreclosure, probate, bankruptcy, divorce, or lien matters.

SC Bar lawyer referral service

Underwater Mortgage Real Estate Agents in Dillon

Chamiese Evans — Licensed Realtor

Specializing in helping Dillon homeowners navigate underwater mortgage situations — whether that means selling, negotiating, or exploring every option before making a decision. NorthGroup Real Estate.

Visit listrobin.com

Common questions

What are my options if I owe more than my home is worth in Dillon?

In Dillon, you have several options: request a loan modification from your servicer, explore a short sale (lender agrees to accept less than the balance), refinance through FHA Streamline or VA IRRRL if you have a government-backed loan, or contact a HUD counselor to review all loss mitigation paths.

Will I owe money after a short sale in SC?

It depends. In North Carolina, lenders can pursue deficiency judgments after a short sale unless they agree in writing to waive the balance. In South Carolina, lenders must expressly reserve this right in court. Always get written confirmation that the deficiency is waived before closing.

Can I still sell my home if the mortgage is underwater in Dillon?

Yes. A short sale allows you to sell for less than you owe with lender approval. Cash buyers experienced with underwater properties can close faster. The key is getting your lender's loss mitigation department to approve the sale terms before listing.

Related situations in Dillon

Homeowners dealing with underwater mortgage often face overlapping issues. These resources may also help.

ForeclosureJob LossHELOC Default

Underwater Mortgage in other cities

Researched by CC Evans, Marketing Analyst — RobinOffer

Last reviewed: February 2026

This directory is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Confirm all options with licensed counsel or a qualified financial professional before signing any agreement.

Sources: SC Code of Laws · HUD.gov · CFPB.gov

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