U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2017

Calvert Jeremy v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Calvert Jeremy v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit · Decided March 9, 2017 · Traxler, Wynn, Hamilton
678 F. App'x 178

Calvert Jeremy v. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Opinion

Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.

PER CURIAM:

Calvert Llewellyn Jeremy and Jolita Mervina Jeremy (the Appellants) filed a Chapter 13 petition in November 2013. They filed the underlying adversary proceeding seeking a declaration that would *179 allow them to bifurcate the mortgage on their primary residence into a secured claim up to the appraised value and an unsecured claim on the remaining balance (i.e., a “cram-down”). The Appellants argued that, because their deed of trust provides for supplemental collateral in the form of escrow funds, insurance proceeds, and rent, these interests are not “real property” within the meaning of 11 U.S.C. § 1322(b)(2) (2012). The bankruptcy court disagreed and granted JP Morgan Chase Bank’s motion to dismiss. The district court certified the appeal to this court.

In light of our decision in Birmingham v. PNC Bank, N.A., 846 F.3d 88 (4th Cir. 2017), we affirm the bankruptcy court’s order dismissing the complaint. In Birmingham, we held that the “reference in the Deed of Trust to escrow funds, insurance proceeds, or miscellaneous proceeds ... constitute^] incidental property,” and not additional collateral, within the meaning of § 1322(b)(2). Based on our reasoning in Birmingham, we affirm the bankruptcy court’s order dismissing the Appellants’ complaint. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

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