Overview
Newrez (often doing business as Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing) is a major non-bank mortgage lender and servicer in the United States. When a borrower passes away, the mortgage does not disappear; it remains a lien on the property. The estate or the person inheriting the property must notify Newrez / Shellpoint to manage the loan.
The key process with a mortgage servicer is establishing yourself as a Successor in Interest (SII). This legal designation allows you to receive information about the loan (such as the balance and payment status) without necessarily assuming liability for the debt.
This guide covers how to notify Newrez / Shellpoint, how to become a confirmed Successor in Interest, and the options for assuming the mortgage if you intend to keep the property.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with Newrez / Shellpoint and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Newrez / Shellpoint of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Newrez / Shellpoint, have the following ready:
- Borrower's full name and Social Security number
- Loan number (found on the monthly mortgage statement)
- Date of death
- Your relationship to the borrower
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call Customer Care
Contact the Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing customer care team to report the death and initiate the Successor in Interest process.
- Phone: (800) 365-7107
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 9 PM ET; Sat, 10 AM – 2 PM ET
Inform the representative that the borrower has passed away and you need to be confirmed as a Successor in Interest. They will place a note on the account and explain the specific documentation required for your situation.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You must submit proof of death and proof of your ownership interest in the property. You can email these documents to assumptions@shellpointmtg.com or mail them.
Mail to:
Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing
Attn: Document Administration – Assumptions
75 Beattie Place, Suite 600
Greenville, SC 29601
Fax: (866) 467-1137
Step 4: Confirmation of Successor in Interest (SII) Status
Once Newrez / Shellpoint reviews your documents (typically within 30 days), they will confirm your status as a Successor in Interest.
* What this means: You can now speak to the servicer about the loan, receive statements, and get payoff quotes.
What this does NOT mean: You are not personally liable for the mortgage debt unless you choose to assume* the loan.
Step 5: Decide on the Property (Assumption vs. Sale)
Once confirmed as a Successor in Interest, you have three main options:
- Keep the home and pay the mortgage: You can often keep the existing mortgage in place (under the Garn-St. Germain Act) by simply keeping payments current.
- Assume the loan: You formally take over the loan liability. Request an Assumption Package from the Assumptions Team.
- Sell the property: Use the proceeds to pay off the mortgage balance.
Required Documents
Documents Newrez / Shellpoint Requires
To be confirmed as a Successor in Interest, you must prove that the borrower has died and that you now have an ownership interest in the property.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified Death Certificate | To prove the borrower is deceased |
| Government-issued ID | Of the person claiming Successor status |
| Written Request | A letter stating your request to be recognized as Successor in Interest |
Proof of Ownership Transfer (One of the following)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Recorded Deed | Quitclaim deed or other deed transferring property to you |
| Will and Probate Documents | Copy of the Will and Letters Testamentary/Administration naming you executor/heir |
| Trust Documents | If the property was held in a trust, the Trust Agreement showing you as successor trustee or beneficiary |
| Divorce Decree | If ownership transferred via divorce settlement |
For Loan Assumption (If applying to take over the loan)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Assumption Package | Provided by Newrez/Shellpoint upon request |
| Financial Documentation | Pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements (to prove ability to repay) |
Account Types
How Newrez / Shellpoint Handles Mortgage Accounts
Successor in Interest (SII)
Becoming an SII is the first step. It grants you access to information but does not make you liable for the debt. You can continue making payments on the deceased borrower's behalf to prevent foreclosure while you decide what to do with the property.
Timeline: Confirmation usually takes 30 days after documents are received.
Mortgage Assumption
If you want the loan in your own name (and the liability that comes with it), you must apply for Assumption.
* Garn-St. Germain Act: Relatives inheriting a home and living in it can typically assume the mortgage without triggering the "due on sale" clause.
* Credit Check: You may need to meet credit and income requirements to verify you can afford the payments.
* Fees: Assumption fees are typically lower than closing costs for a new loan (often $900 or less for FHA/VA, varies for conventional).
Timeline: 30–60 days for Assumption After Death.
Selling the Home
If you plan to sell, you will need a Payoff Quote. As a confirmed SII, you can request this directly. The mortgage balance will be paid from the sale proceeds at closing.
Reverse Mortgages (HECM)
If the deceased had a reverse mortgage, the loan becomes due upon death. The estate typically has 6 months (with potential extensions up to 12 months) to repay the loan, usually by selling the home or refinancing.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Process
Newrez / Shellpoint operates nationally, but property laws are state-specific.
- Probate vs. Non-Probate: If the property was in a Living Trust or held as "Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship," it transfers to the new owner without probate. If it was solely in the decedent's name, you will likely need Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the local probate court to prove your authority.
- Foreclosure Timelines: If payments are missed, the timeline for foreclosure varies significantly by state (judicial vs. non-judicial states).
- Community Property: In states like CA, TX, AZ, and WA, a surviving spouse may have automatic ownership rights even if not named on the mortgage.
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
Timeline for Newrez / Shellpoint Processes
| Process | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Successor in Interest Confirmation | 30 days | Depends on submitting complete proof of ownership |
| Assumption (After Death) | 30–60 days | Requires completed Assumption Package and supporting docs |
| Standard Assumption | 60–90 days | For transfers not related to death/divorce |
| Payoff Statement Request | 3–7 business days | Available once SII status is confirmed |
| Loss Mitigation Review | 30–45 days | If applying for payment assistance |
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Keep Paying the Mortgage
The most common mistake is stopping payments while waiting for paperwork. Mortgages must be paid every month, regardless of the borrower's death. Missed payments will lead to late fees, credit damage, and eventually foreclosure.
"Successor in Interest" vs. "Assumption"
You do not have to assume the loan to keep the house in many cases. As a confirmed Successor in Interest, you can simply keep making the payments. Assumption is only necessary if you want the loan legally in your name (e.g., to refinance later or build your own credit).
Send Documents to the Right Department
Do not send legal documents to the general billing address. Use the specific Document Administration – Assumptions address or email assumptions@shellpointmtg.com to prevent delays.
Property Insurance
Ensure the homeowner's insurance policy is updated. If the policy lapses, the lender will buy "force-placed insurance," which is much more expensive and covers less.
Reverse Mortgages Are Different
If the loan is a reverse mortgage, you cannot simply "take over payments." The loan balance is due. You must communicate your intent (sell, refinance, or deed-in-lieu) to the servicer immediately.