Case Summary: Steed v. Federal National Mortgage Corp., 301 Ga. App. 801 (2009)

Today we are looking at the case of Steed v. Federal National Mortgage Corp., 301 Ga. App. 801 (2009). The appellant is Ellery Steed. The appellees are Federal National Mortgage Corporation (“Fannie Mae”) and Safeguard Properties, Inc.

Steed, representing himself, filed a lawsuit against Fannie Mae and Safeguard Properties, alleging wrongful eviction from a property he formerly owned but which had been acquired by Fannie Mae through foreclosure. Steed claimed he was wrongfully evicted from both the upstairs and downstairs units of the home. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants on all claims. On appeal, the Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s decision, finding no merit in Steed’s arguments.

This case underscores the importance for former homeowners to understand their legal status after foreclosure. Remaining in the property without legal right can lead to eviction without recourse.

Read the full decision here.