What is the Difference Between Unsecured and Secured Debt?

A secured debt is a debt in which the creditor maintains a security interest in an item or piece of personal property such as a house or an automobile. With secured debts, if you fall behind on payments, the lender can repossess the property that originally secured the debt. An additional drawback to secured debt is the fact that you may remain liable for the deficiency balance owing on the debt after your property has been repossessed and sold.

However, the laws regarding home mortgages vary from state to state. This means that a lender's debt recovery rights will depend on the terms of your mortgage and whether any other lenders also have an interest in the property.

Unsecured debt is debt in which you borrow from a creditor to obtain goods or services on credit in exchange for your promise to repay the debt. The primary difference between secured and unsecured debt is that unsecured debt is not collateralized by personal property.

Unsecured debt is commonly given in the form of credit card debt, commercial debt, medical debt, and personal loans. If you fall behind on an unsecured debt, lenders can take legal action against you, but more commonly will try to work out a reasonable debt settlement. It is possible for a secured debt to become an unsecured debt when the property that is securing the loan has already been repossessed and sold by the creditor.

Traditionally, if the sale of the property does not cover the full amount of the debt, it will result in a deficiency balance which is still the responsibility of the consumer. This deficiency balance is now considered an unsecured debt because no property is securing it. In many cases, this balance can be successfully resolved through a debt settlement program.

Alan Barnes
IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrator and
President and CEO of Debt Regret
http://www.debtregret.com



Perks and Pitfalls of Debt Consolidation

Whether you want to pursue debt consolidation in order to... Read More

Debt Consolidation: Why And How This Strategy Often Backfires!

Debt consolidation solutions, has found that as good as it... Read More

All About Debt Consolidation Loans

Debt consolidation loans can be the answer to a number... Read More

Vultures and Victims

Has anyone noticed how many loan companies now fill up... Read More

Credit Counseling ? Six Tips to Avoid Counseling Scams

Credit counseling is a useful service for anyone with problem... Read More

Debt Consolidation Loan and Consolidation Loans

Debt consolidation loan services act as a third party intermediary... Read More

Debt Consolidation Service In Birmingham

Jane was a fun loving girl from Birmingham, you could... Read More

Debt Consolidation: Its all in the Planning

If you're like thousands of other people who find themselves... Read More

Debt Consolidation ? Be Careful When Trading in Your Car

The automobile has long been recognized as the classic American... Read More

Debt Relief From Debt Consolidation

If you are up to your neck in debt, there... Read More

Debt Consolidation can Ruin Your Credit

Yes, Debt Cosolidation isn't a good idea and I'll tell... Read More

Cutting Your Monthly Outgoing With Debt Consolidation

With consumer debt on the rise, many people have found... Read More

Debt Consolidation ? Options for Reducing Your Debt

Studies show that Americans are now saving less than ever... Read More

Consolidating Your Government Student Loans

A Consolidation Loan allows you to combine your federal student... Read More

Debt Consolidation - Is It Really The Best Option For You?

It is a very common question that people pose to... Read More

Exploring Your Options for a Consolidation Loan UK

Whether you're wanting to consolidate your debt to avoid bankruptcy,... Read More

Debt Consolidation Made Simple

If you have considered debt consolidation then you are probably... Read More

Debt Consolidation - Free Information About Consolidating Debt

Millions of consumers across the globe are searching for a... Read More

Cheap Debt Consolidation Loans - Inexpensive Way of Winning Financial Freedom

The rising cost of living can force you sometimes to... Read More

Reducing Credit Card Debt

One of the easiest "things" that can happen in life... Read More

Debt Consolidation Loans: Thousands Now Out Of Debt, Who Never Thought They Would Be!

A Debt consolidation loan: Is a personal loan you use... Read More

Shake off the Chains: Credit Card Debt Elimination is Easier Than You Think!

Feeling like you're on the brink of financial disaster? You're... Read More

Whats the Difference Between Debt Settlement and Debt Consolidation?

The Debt Settlement process involves negotiating with your creditors to... Read More

Thinking Beyond Debt Consolidation Loans

Planning to devise a permanent solution to the problems of... Read More

Debt Consolidation -- Choose Your Credit Counselor Carefully

Recently passed by Congress, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: