Charles & Gail Houpt v. Wells Fargo Bank, NA

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
Docket No. 41990
CHARLES W. HOUPT, and GAIL N. )
HOUPT, husband and wife, )
)
Plaintiffs-Appellants, )
)
v. )
)
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL )
ASSOCIATION, a California corporation, )
)
Defendant-Respondent, ) Twin Falls, November 2015
)
and ) 2016 Opinion No. 121
)
FIRST AMERICAN TITLE COMPANY, an ) Filed: December 29, 2015
Idaho corporation, )
) Stephen W. Kenyon, Clerk
Defendant, )
)
and )
)
S.R.C. CORPORATION, d/b/a STEVE )
REGAN CO.; BEARD ST. CLAIR )
GAFFNEY, PA; UNITED STATES OF )
AMERICA, )
)
Intervenors.
Appeal from the District Court of the Seventh Judicial District, State of Idaho,
Bonneville County. Hon. Dane H. Watkins, Jr., District Judge.
District court judgment, affirmed in part, vacated in part, and remanded.
Peterson Moss Hall & Olsen, Idaho Falls, for appellants. Nathan M. Olsen
argued.
Perry Law, P.C., Boise, for respondent. Trevor L. Hart argued.
_________________________________
BURDICK, Justice
Charles and Gail Houpt (Houpts) appeal the Bonneville County district court’s grant of
summary judgment in favor of Wells Fargo Bank National Association (Wells Fargo Bank) and
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First American Title Company (FATCO). In district court Houpts argued that Wells Fargo Bank
was not legally entitled to foreclose on property owned by Houpts and that damages were
appropriate due to Wells Fargo Bank and FATCO’s (collectively Wells Fargo) wrongful
foreclosure action. The district court found that because no foreclosure sale had occurred, Wells
Fargo was entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law. After denying Houpts’ request for
reconsideration, the district court entered judgment in favor of Wells Fargo and awarded attorney
fees and costs. Houpts appeal. We affirm in part, vacate in part, and remand.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
This appeal arises from a dispute regarding property owned by Houpts located at 1954 N.
Yellowstone Highway, Idaho Falls, Idaho (Property). In March 1993, Houpts executed a
promissory note to the American Bank of Commerce (Note). As security on the Note, Houpts
granted a deed of trust in the Property to American Bank of Commerce, as beneficiary, and
FATCO, as Trustee (Deed of Trust).1 Thereafter, over a period of time spanning from 1994 to
2004, American Bank of Commerce went through a series of mergers and transactions that
resulted in Wells Fargo Bank obtaining the obligation owing under the Note and secured by the
Deed of Trust.2 However, a written assignment of the Note and Deed of Trust designating Wells
Fargo Bank as the beneficiary of such was not filed during this time.
Starting in November 2007, Houpts failed to make numerous payments on the Note and
ceased all payments beginning November 10, 2009. Consequently, Wells Fargo Bank directed
FATCO to foreclose on the Property and on October 18, 2010, FATCO filed a Notice of
Trustee’s Sale listing American Bank of Commerce as the current beneficiary and setting the
date of the sale for February 17, 2011. The day before the scheduled trustee’s sale, Houpts filed
for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Idaho. A year
later Wells Fargo Bank was granted stay relief by the bankruptcy court and resumed foreclosure
on the Property. Thereafter, on March 15, 2012, FATCO filed a new Notice of Trustee’s Sale,
stating, “Beneficial Interest is now held by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, by merger
agreement dated February 5, 2004.” The date of the new sale was set for July 17, 2012.
1
The amount of the original Note was subsequently modified but the general terms remained the same. The Deed of
Trust was also subsequently modified to reflect the change in the amount due under the Note.
2
In July 1994, American Bank of Commerce merged into First Security Bank. Then in April 2001, First Security
changed its name to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest and in February 2004, Wells Fargo Bank NA purchased most of
the assets and liabilities of Wells Fargo Northwest, including the Note and Deed of Trust.
2
On June 22, 2012, Houpts filed a Complaint and Motion for Preliminary Injunction
stating that: (1) Wells Fargo Bank was not the beneficiary or other real party in interest of the
Deed of Trust, and as such, Wells Fargo improperly initiated a nonjudicial foreclosure under I.C.
§ 45-1505; (2) the district court should grant a preliminary injunction to stop the foreclosure sale;
and (3) Wells Fargo’s actions constituted wrongful foreclosure. Wells Fargo answered by
denying all claims made by Houpts and arguing that Wells Fargo Bank was the beneficiary of the
Deed of Trust through merger and consolidation and, therefore, was exempted under 12 U.S.C. §
215(a) from being required to record a written assignment of the Deed of Trust prior to
exercising its power of sale. Notwithstanding this argument, Wells Fargo Bank obtained a
written assignment of the Note and Deed of Trust from Wells Fargo Northwest on August 24,
2012, and recorded the assignment with Bonneville County on September 4, 2012. Subsequently,
on September 17, 2012, the district court, noting that Wells Fargo had recorded its assignment of
the Deed of Trust, denied Houpts’ motion for preliminary injunction but left open the possibility
that Wells Fargo had committed a wrongful foreclosure.
Wells Fargo thereafter resumed foreclosure proceedings on the Property, but
systematically postponed the sale in thirty day increments for various reasons. Then, on April 18,
2013, the bankruptcy court entered an order abandoning the Property as part of the bankruptcy
estate, and two months later Houpts found a buyer for the Property outside of the foreclosure
proceedings. The parties then filed a stipulation to accommodate the sale providing that Houpts
could sell the property, distribute $19,156.65 of the proceeds to Wells Fargo Bank to reimburse
for property tax payments, and deposit the remaining $139,500.45 with the Clerk of the Court to
be distributed “according to the resolution of the priorities of valid liens or other considerations”
(Stipulated Sale).3
The Stipulated Sale was completed, and on September 23, 2013, Wells Fargo moved for
summary judgment arguing that Houpts’ claims were mooted by completion of the Stipulated
Sale. Two days later Houpts’ bankruptcy case closed, and on November 12, 2013, Houpts filed a
cross-motion for partial summary judgment requesting the district court to find that Wells Fargo
Bank was not a named or successor beneficiary under the Deed of Trust and that Wells Fargo
was liable for wrongful foreclosure. In reply, Wells Fargo argued that in addition to mootness,
3
The stipulation also allowed for other creditors (not parties to this appeal) to intervene and assert their rights in the
proceeds.
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Houpts lacked standing to bring suit, and that under the doctrine of judicial estoppel, Houpts’
claims should fail because Houpts failed to list their claims as assets on their bankruptcy
schedules.
On January 7, 2014, the district court granted Wells Fargo’s motion for summary
judgment. The court ruled that Houpts’ claims were moot because: (1) Wells Fargo Bank had
recorded a written assignment of the beneficiary’s interest in the deed of trust; and (2) Houpts
voluntarily sold the Property outside the foreclosure proceedings. The parties then both filed
cross-motions for reconsideration. Houpts argued that the district court erred in granting Wells
Fargo summary judgment and that Wells Fargo had violated Idaho Code section 6-101. Wells
Fargo argued that section 6-101 did not apply to nonjudicial foreclosures and asked for a ruling
on the issues of judicial estoppel and standing.
The district court ruled in favor of Wells Fargo. In making its ruling the district court: (1)
reiterated that Houpts’ claims were moot because of the Stipulated Sale; (2) ruled that section 6-
101 did not prevent Wells Fargo from recovering; and (3) found that judicial estoppel prevented
Houpts from pursing their claims. The court then ordered the proceeds of the sale of the Property
to be paid to Wells Fargo and, after making certain deductions, awarded costs and attorney fees
to Wells Fargo. Houpts timely filed a notice of appeal.
II. STANDARD OF REVIEW
We review a district court’s grant of summary judgment de novo, and apply the same
standard used by the district court in ruling on the motion. Grazer v. Jones, 154 Idaho 58, 64, 294
P.3d 184, 190 (2013). Summary judgment is appropriate when “the pleadings, depositions, and
admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any
material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.” I.R.C.P. 56(c).
All reasonable inferences that can be drawn from the record are to be drawn in favor of the
nonmoving party, and disputed facts are liberally construed in the nonmoving party’s favor.
Mackay v. Four Rivers Packing Co., 145 Idaho 408, 410, 179 P.3d 1064, 1066 (2008). If
reasonable people could reach different conclusions or inferences from the evidence, summary
judgment is inappropriate. Jenkins v. Boise Cascade Corp., 141 Idaho 233, 238, 108 P.3d 380, 385
(2005).
An award of attorney fees is a factual determination which is reviewed for abuse of
discretion. Smith v. Mitton, 140 Idaho 893, 901, 104 P.3d 367, 375 (2004).
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III. ANALYSIS
On appeal, Houpts argue that the district court committed error in granting summary judgment
because: (1) the district court lacked jurisdiction to award Wells Fargo the proceeds from the
Stipulated Sale; (2) Wells Fargo Bank was not the recorded beneficiary of the Deed of Trust when
the foreclosure was first initiated, and therefore committed wrongful foreclosure; and (3) Houpts’
separate claims against FATCO were never addressed. Houpts further allege that Wells Fargo
should not have been awarded attorney fees and costs. Wells Fargo argues that Houpts lack
standing to bring their claims and that the district court did not err in granting summary judgment
or attorney fees and costs. We address each claim in turn.
A. Jurisdiction and Standing Arguments
1. Houpts have Standing
Wells Fargo argues that even though the district court did not consider the issue, this Court
may affirm the district court’s rulings on the ground that Houpts lack standing as the real party of
interest. Houpts contend that since this argument is raised for the first time on appeal it should not
be considered. While it is true that “[g]enerally, issues raised for the first time on appeal will not be
considered,” Arambarri v. Armstrong, 152 Idaho 734, 738, 274 P.3d 1249, 1253 (2012), issues of
standing are jurisdictional, and “they can be raised at any time, including for the first time on
appeal.” Id. Indeed, “this Court has a duty to raise the issue of standing sua sponte.” Campbell v.
Parkway Surgery Center, LLC, 158 Idaho 957, 962, 354 P.3d 1172, 1177 (2015). Thus, we will
consider the merits of Wells Fargo’s contention that Houpts lack standing as the real party in
interest.
Idaho’s real party in interest rule is found in the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure and states
in relevant part:
Every action shall be prosecuted in the name of the real
party in interest. . . . No action shall be dismissed on the ground that
it is not prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest until a
reasonable time has been allowed after objection for ratification of
commencement of the action by, or joinder or substitution of, the
real party in interest; and such ratification, joinder, or substitution
shall have the same effect as if the action had been commenced in
the name of the real party in interest.
I.R.C.P. 17(a). The purpose of this rule is to “prevent forfeiture when determination of the proper
party is difficult or when an understandable mistake has been made in selecting the party plaintiff.”
Conda Partnership, Inc. v. M.D. Constr. Co., 115 Idaho 902, 904, 771 P.2d 920, 922 (Ct. App.
5
1989). Consequently, when interpreting this rule we have stated that “[l]iberal construction should
be given to this rule and courts should ‘further the policy favoring the just resolution of actions—
providing litigants their day in court.’ ” Hayward v. Valley Vista Care Corp., 136 Idaho 342, 348,
33 P.3d 816, 822 (2001) (quoting Conda, 115 Idaho at 904, 771 P.2d at 922).
Wells Fargo contends that once Houpts filed their bankruptcy petition in 2011, any claim
Houpts had automatically became an asset of the bankruptcy estate that only the trustee could
assert. In support of their argument Wells Fargo relies on McCallister v. Dixon, 154 Idaho 891, 303
P.3d 578 (2013), and Mowrey v. Chevron Pipe Line Co., 155 Idaho 629, 315 P.3d 817 (2013). In
McCallister and Mowrey, the plaintiffs did not list their claims for damages in their bankruptcy
schedules and then later, after their bankruptcy proceedings closed, attempted to bring suit. This
Court ruled that the plaintiffs in both cases were judicially estopped from bringing their
undisclosed claims and that the bankruptcy trustees, and not the plaintiffs, were the real parties in
interest. We noted in McCallister that “once [the plaintiff] filed for bankruptcy, the potential []
claim he had against Respondents was no longer [the plaintiff’s] to assert. It became an asset of the
bankruptcy estate for the bankruptcy trustee to assert.” 154 Idaho at 898, 303 P.3d at 585. In
Mowrey, we stated that when a plaintiff has knowledge of a claim during the pendency of his
bankruptcy the claim becomes “an asset of the bankruptcy estate, and [] a claim for the bankruptcy
trustee alone to assert.” 155 Idaho at 635, 315 P.3d at 823.
Here, like the plaintiffs in McCallister and Mowrey, Houpts had knowledge of their claims
against Wells Fargo during the pendency of their bankruptcy.4 Thus, Houpts were not the real party
in interest at the time they filed their Complaint. But, because Wells Fargo has not objected to
Houpts’ standing as the real party in interest until this time, under I.R.C.P. 17(a), the action cannot
be dismissed until a reasonable time has been allowed for the Houpts to cure the defect through
“ratification . . . by, or joinder or substitution of,” the real party in interest. Accordingly, under
I.R.C.P. 17(a), Houpts must be allowed the opportunity to cure any defect in the real party of
interest. Yet, here, unlike in McCallister and Mowrey, the bankruptcy trustee has, since the original
filing of the Complaint, specifically abandoned his interest in the property. Consequently, Houpts,
unlike the plaintiffs in McCallister and Mowrey where the bankruptcy estates did not abandon their
4
Wells Fargo initiated the nonjudicial foreclosure proceedings on October 18, 2010. Houpts filed their bankruptcy
schedules and amended schedules on February 16, 2011, and April 1, 2011, respectively. Houpts filed their
Complaint in this action on June 22, 2012. The bankruptcy case closed on September 25, 2013. Based on these facts,
Houpts had knowledge of their claims against Wells Fargo during the pendency of the bankruptcy proceedings, and
no later than June 22, 2012, when they filed their Complaint.
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interests in the plaintiffs’ claims, are now, in fact, the real party in interest and any such attempted
cure would only result in Houpts seeking “ratification . . . by, or joinder or substitution of,”
themselves.
Therefore, even though Houpts may not have been the real party in interest at the time of
filing—they are now. Requiring Houpts to start over would only result in needless waste. See, e.g.,
Mullaney v. Anderson, 342 U.S. 415, 417 (1952) (“To dismiss the present petition and require the
[] plaintiffs to start over in the District Court would entail needless waste and runs counter to
effective judicial administration—the more so since, with the silent concurrence of the defendant,
the original plaintiffs were deemed proper parties below.”); Newman–Green, Inc. v. Alfonzo–
Larrain, 490 U.S. 826, 836–37 (1989) (“[R]equiring dismissal after years of litigation would
impose unnecessary and wasteful burdens on the parties, judges, and other litigants waiting for
judicial attention. Appellate-level amendments to correct jurisdictional defects may not be the most
intellectually satisfying approach to the spoiler problem, but, as Judge Posner eloquently noted,
because ‘law is an instrument of governance rather than a hymn to intellectual beauty, some
consideration must be given to practicalities.’ ” (citation omitted) (quoting Newman–Green, Inc. v.
Alfonzo–Larrain, 854 F.2d 916, 925 (7th Cir. 1988))). Accordingly, in the interest of judicial
economy and our policy favoring “the just resolution of actions [by] providing litigants their day in
court” we allow Houpts’ claims to proceed.
2. The District Court had Jurisdiction to Award Wells Fargo the Proceeds of the
Stipulated Sale
Houpts argue that under Idaho Code section 6-101 Wells Fargo should not have been allowed
to collect on its lien without first “exhausting the security.” Further, Houpts argue that they did
not give implied or express consent for the court to distribute the funds from the Stipulated Sale
to Wells Fargo. The district court ruled that Idaho Code section 6-101 was inapplicable and that
Houpts gave at least implied consent for the district court to distribute the proceeds of the
Stipulated Sale. We agree with the district court.
a. Idaho Code section 6-101
Often referred to as the “one action” rule, Idaho Code section 6-101(1) states that “there
can be but one action for the recovery of any debt, or the enforcement of any right secured by
mortgage upon real estate . . . .” However, Idaho Code section 6-101(3) explicitly states that for
the purposes of section 6-101:
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[A]n “action” does not include any of the following acts or
proceedings:
....
(e) For the exercise, pursuant to section 45-1505, Idaho Code, of a
power of sale conferred pursuant to section 45-1503, Idaho Code;
....
(k) Relating to any proceeding in bankruptcy . . . ;
I.C. § 6-101(3).
Here, the Property was subject to a bankruptcy proceeding and a nonjudicial foreclosure
under Idaho Code section 45-1505. Both actions are specifically exempt from the “one action”
rule under Idaho Code section 6-101. Houpts’ argument in this regard is without merit.
b. Implied or express consent
Houpts maintain that because Wells Fargo did not plead or ask the Court to enter a
money judgment in its favor and because Houpts did not consent to the district court deciding
Wells Fargo’s lien interest, the district court did not have the authority to distribute the proceeds
from the Stipulated Sale to Wells Fargo.
However, “every final judgment shall grant the relief to which the party in whose favor it
is rendered is entitled, even if the party has not demanded such relief in his pleadings.” I.R.C.P.
54(c). Yet, “[i]f the trial court grants relief not specifically [pled] by the parties, then the issue
must be tried by express or implied consent of the parties.” O’Connor v. Harger Const. Inc., 145
Idaho 904, 911, 188 P.3d 846, 853 (2008) (citing I.R.C.P. 15(b); M.K. Transp., Inc. v. Grover,
101 Idaho 345, 349, 612 P.2d 1192, 1196 (1980)).
Here, the provisions of the Stipulated Sale specifically state in paragraph 16(b) that
proceeds from the sale “deposited with the Court pursuant to IRCP 67 . . . , shall be distributed
by the Court pursuant to the rule by order of the court as according to the resolution of the
priorities of valid liens or other considerations . . . .” This is clearly consent for the district court
to disburse the proceeds of the Stipulated Sale in accordance with its rulings. Houpts’ argument
to the contrary is dismissed.
B. Whether the District Court’s Grant of Summary Judgment was Proper
In its rulings the district court found that Houpts’ claim for wrongful foreclosure was
moot by reason of the Stipulated Sale and alternatively by the doctrine of judicial estoppel. The
district court then determined the amount owing under the Note, awarded attorney fees and costs,
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and ordered the proceeds from the Stipulated Sale to be distributed to Wells Fargo. We agree
with the district court that Houpts’ claims fail, but diverge with the district court’s rulings
regarding the amount owing under the Note and the award of attorney fees and costs.
1. Houpts’ Claims for Relief Fail for Mootness
On appeal, Houpts contend that the district court erred by granting summary judgment to
Wells Fargo because: (1) evidence showed that Wells Fargo Bank was not the beneficiary of the
Deed of Trust at the time FATCO issued the Trustee’s Notice(s) of Sale and as a result, Houpts’
claim for declaratory relief and request for an injunction were not moot; (2) evidence showed that
Wells Fargo was liable for wrongful foreclosure; and (3) the district court did not address Houpts’
individual claims against FATCO for breach of fiduciary duty. In reply, Wells Fargo argues that
the district court did not err in declaring Houpts’ claims as moot.
A claim for relief becomes moot when an appellant no longer has a legal interest in the
outcome. State v. Hoyle, 140 Idaho 679, 682, 99 P.3d 1069, 1072 (2004) (citing Murphy v. Hunt,
455 U.S. 478, 481–82 (1982)). “Mootness [] applies when a favorable judicial decision would
not result in any relief. This Court may only review cases in which a judicial determination will
have a practical effect on the outcome.” Fenn v. Noah, 142 Idaho 775, 779, 133 P.3d 1240, 1244
(2006) (citations omitted).
a. Houpts’ claims for declaratory and injunctive relief
Houpts argue that the district court erred by declaring that their claims for declaratory and
injunctive relief were moot because there was evidence showing that Wells Fargo Bank was not
the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust at the time the foreclosure sale was initiated. However,
Houpts’ prayer for relief did not request an order regarding Wells Fargo Bank’s beneficiary
status at the time the foreclosure was initiated, but rather requested an order declaring that Wells
Fargo Bank presently “is not the beneficiary under the Deed of Trust and has no beneficial
interest in the Property.” Houpts filed for summary judgment on November 12, 2013. A notice of
assignment of the beneficiary interest from Wells Fargo Northwest to Wells Fargo Bank was
recorded over a year earlier on September 4, 2012. Thus, at the time Houpts filed their motion
for summary judgment Wells Fargo Bank was in fact the beneficiary under the Deed of Trust and
the district court could not enter an order declaring that Wells Fargo Bank was not presently the
beneficiary and had no interest in the property. Similarly, the voluntary Stipulated Sale occurred
in June 2013—also before Houpts filed for summary judgment—and as a result, there was no
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longer any foreclosure proceeding for the district court to stay. The district court was correct in
ruling these two claims moot. State v. Rogers, 140 Idaho 223, 227, 91 P.3d 1127, 1131 (2004)
(“[W]hen the issues presented are no longer live, the issues are moot and preclude review.”).
b. Houpts’ claim for damages due to wrongful foreclosure
Houpts maintain that because Wells Fargo Bank was not the recorded beneficiary of the
Deed of Trust at the time it initiated the foreclosure Wells Fargo committed wrongful
foreclosure, or at least attempted wrongful foreclosure, and is liable for damages. We disagree.
Under Idaho law, a wrongful foreclosure action is equated with a cause of action for
conversion. Williamson v. Ysursa, 78 Idaho 423, 430, 305 P.2d 732, 736 (1956) (“Where a
chattel mortgage is foreclosed by summary proceedings, and the requisite procedure is not
complied with in material particulars . . . such action constitutes a conversion . . . .”); Peterson v.
Hailey Nat’l Bank, 51 Idaho 427, 431, 6 P.2d 145, 147 (1931) (“The mortgagee cannot lawfully
seize mortgaged property in any other manner than that provided by [statute] and when he sells it
in any other manner than that directed by statute ‘he is guilty of conversion, and becomes liable
to the mortgagor the same as anyone else who converts property to his own use.’ ” (quoting
Marchand v. Ronaghan, 9 Idaho 95, 98, 72 P. 731, 732 (1903))). Conversion, in turn, requires a
distinct act of wrongfully asserted dominion over another’s personal property, see Luzar v.
Western Sur. Co., 107 Idaho 693, 696, 692 P.2d 337, 340 (1984), and a cause of action for
conversion “accrues in favor of the owner of property as soon as the property is wrongfully taken
from his possession or wrongfully converted.” Peasley Transfer & Storage Co. v. Smith, 132
Idaho 732, 743, 979 P.2d 605, 616 (1999). Title to property in a nonjudicial foreclosure action is
not “taken” until the conclusion of the sale. See Roos v. Belcher, 79 Idaho 473, 482, 321 P.2d
210, 215 (1958) (holding that a properly conducted nonjudicial foreclosure sale quiets title in the
purchaser).
Thus, while we recognize that a few jurisdictions recognize a cause of action for
attempted wrongful foreclosure, see, e.g., Sale City Peanut & Milling Co., Inc. v. Planters &
Citizens Bank, 130 S.E.2d 518 (Ga. App. 1963) (allowing a cause of action when borrowers
alleged that lender knowingly published an untrue and derogatory statement about borrowers’
financial condition and that damages resulted, even though no foreclosure sale took place), we
hold that under Idaho law, a cause of action for attempted wrongful foreclosure does not exist
and that an action for wrongful foreclosure does not accrue until after a foreclosure sale is
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completed and title is “taken” by the purchaser. Such a holding is not only consistent with our
precedent of equating wrongful foreclosure with conversion but also the jurisprudence of the
majority of our sister states. See, e.g., Worrall v. Federal Nat’l Mortg. Ass’n, No. 13-cv-330-JD,
2013 WL 6095119, at *3 (D.N.H. Nov. 20, 2013) (“[A] necessary element of a wrongful
foreclosure claim, as the claim suggests, is that a foreclosure sale must have occurred.”);
Subramaniam v. Beal, No. 3:12-cv-1681-MO, 2013 WL 5462339, at *3 (D. Or. Sept. 27, 2013)
(“Oregon does not recognize a cause of action for wrongful attempted foreclosure, so [plaintiff’s]
allegation that a potentially wrongful foreclosure was threatened or attempted does not give rise
to a cause of action.”); Medrano v. BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP, No. 3:10-cv-02565-M(BF),
2012 WL 4174890, at *3 (N.D. Tex. Aug. 10, 2012) (“An attempted wrongful foreclosure is not
an action recognized under Texas law.”); Reese v. First Missouri Bank and Trust Co. of Creve
Coeur, 736 S.W.2d 371, 373 (Mo. 1987) (“[T]here is no cause of action for attempted wrongful
foreclosure . . . .”); McKinley v. Lamar Bank, 919 So. 2d 918, 930 (Miss. 2005) (“There was no
wrongful foreclosure because there was never a foreclosure at all.”); 55 AM. JUR. 2D Mortgages
§ 451 (“There is no cause of action for an attempted wrongful foreclosure.”).
Here, when interpreting the facts in the light most favorable to Houpts, the facts tend to
show that: (1) Wells Fargo Bank was not the recorded beneficiary of the Deed of Trust when
FATCO issued its Trustee’s Notice(s) of Sale; (2) Wells Fargo Bank became the recorded
beneficiary in September 2012; (3) in June 2013, the parties filed a voluntary Stipulated Sale
agreement to sell the Property to a third-party; (4) the Property was in fact sold to a third party;
and (5) a foreclosure sale never occurred. Given these facts Houpts have no cause of action for
wrongful foreclosure because a foreclosure sale never occurred. Houpts’ potential claim for
wrongful foreclosure was extinguished by operation of the voluntary Stipulated Sale.
c. Houpts’ individual claim against FATCO
Houpts argue that FATCO is independently liable for damages by violating a fiduciary
duty to accurately verify or state the beneficiary on the Trustee’s Notice(s) of Sale. This Court
has held that, “pursuant to I.C. § 45-1505, a trustee may initiate nonjudicial foreclosure
proceedings on a deed of trust without first proving ownership of the underlying note or
demonstrating that the deed of trust beneficiary has requested or authorized the trustee to initiate
those proceedings.” Trotter v. Bank of New York Mellon, 152 Idaho 842, 847, 275 P.3d 857, 862
(2012). Accordingly, FATCO was under no obligation to determine who owned the Note or even
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whether the beneficiary, whoever it may have been, authorized the foreclosure. This argument is
without merit.
Finally, Houpts argue that, even if moot, their claims should be preserved by the
language of the Stipulated Sale agreement. Paragraph 16(c) of the Stipulated Sale agreement
states: “That such deposit of proceeds to the Court and releasing of liens not be construed as a
waiving of any claims, rights or allegations, or an admission of any kind by any of the Parties
against each other or pertaining to the above described action.” However, as the district court
points out, while the provision may preserve any cause of action Houpts might have had, it does
not create a cause of action that is not supported by law—and since Houpts’ claims, for the
reasons discussed above, are not supported in the law, the provision is of no avail to them.
Since we find that Houpts’ claims fail for the reasons above we do not reach the judicial
estoppel argument put forth by Wells Fargo and move to the issue of the loan balance and
attorney fees and costs.
2. Calculating the Principal and Interest on the Loan and Attorney Fees and Costs
Houpts argue that the district court erred in calculating the principal and interest of the
loan and in calculating the amount of attorney fees and costs awarded to Wells Fargo. We agree.
a. Calculating the principal and interest of the loan
Houpts make three main arguments on this point. First, Houpts claim that a $100,000
payment made on the note was never determined to be either prepayment or advanced payments
of the installments due under the note. Second, Houpts claim that the district court improperly
disregarded evidence that the Small Business Administration (SBA) made a guarantee payment
on the Houpts’ loan secured by the Note and Deed of Trust. Finally, Houpts maintain that there
is a question of material fact relating to the date of default on the loan that would affect the
principal and interest amounts due. We address each contention in turn.
i. The $100,000 payment
Houpts maintain that a $100,000 payment made in May 2006 was not properly accounted
for by Wells Fargo in its calculation of the loan principal and interest. Specifically, Houpts cite
to the provision in the Note which reads: “Borrower shall provide lender with written notice of
intent to prepay part or all of this loan at least three (3) weeks prior to the anticipated prepayment
date. A prepayment is any payment made ahead of schedule that exceeds twenty (20) percent of
the then outstanding principal balance.” They argue that this provision required a written
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agreement as to how the payment would be applied to the loan and that no such agreement was
reached. Houpts also state that they understood that the $100,000 payment would release the
collateral on their personal residence and result in a reduction of the monthly payment on the
Note.
Houpts’ argument that a written agreement was required as to how the payment would be
applied is not supported by the terms of the Note. The provision Houpts cite in support of their
argument only requires notice of payment, it does not require an agreement about how such a
payment would be applied. In fact, the provision continues: “If borrower makes a prepayment and
fails to give at least three weeks advance notice of intent to prepay, then, notwithstanding any other
provisions to the contrary in this note or other document, borrower shall be required to pay lender
three weeks interest on the unpaid principal as of the date preceding such prepayment.”
Additionally, the Note clearly states that payments will be applied first to interest and then to
principal and that the holder may increase or decrease the amount of the monthly installment
payments “to assure such payments will amortize the Note within the bounds of the stated
maturity.” Thus, if Houpts wanted the payment to be applied differently than dictated by the Note,
it was Houpts’ duty as the borrower to notify Wells Fargo Bank—not Wells Fargo Bank’s duty to
seek direction from Houpts.
Furthermore, after examining the record it is clear that the $100,000 payment was in fact
applied according to Houpts’ understanding. The affidavit of Gary Glorfield, Vice President and
custodian of records for Wells Fargo Bank, includes a record of the loan showing that the $100,000
payment was made on May 2, 2006, attributing $99,944.75 to principal and $55.25 to interest. The
record of payments also shows that the monthly payments were reduced after the $100,000
payment from approximately $1000 a month to $800. Additionally, the affidavit includes a copy of
a letter between Wells Fargo Bank and Mr. Houpt regarding the $100,000 payment and the release
of the Houpts’ residence for the payment. It also includes a copy of the reconveyance of the
Houpts’ personal residence.
Houpts’ contention that this payment was not properly accounted for is dismissed.
ii. The SBA guarantee payment
Houpts claim that in May 2010, Wells Fargo received a pre-liquidation payment from the
SBA in the amount of $56,240.50. They further claim that this amount was not properly
accounted for in determining the principal or interest due on the Note. In support of this claim
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Houpts proffered various documents obtained from the SBA through a Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA) request. In its Memorandum Decision and Order Re: Motions for Reconsideration
the district court struck the evidence obtained through the FOIA request stating: “Although this
Court is sensitive to the potential question of fact such a guaranty could have on the loan’s
interest calculations, the documents themselves, as introduced by [Counsel], are hearsay . . . .”
The district court went on to say: “[The district court] is not aware of, and Interveners have not
indicated, anywhere else in the record where evidence of the SBA guaranty payment is
provided.”
On appeal, Houpts argue that the documents obtained through the FOIA should have
been admitted under I.R.E. § 803(8) as a public record. Documents recovered through a FOIA
request, however, are not a “public record” as construed under 803(8) because such documents
are not the result of an “agency setting forth its regularly conducted and regularly recorded
activities,” I.R.E. § 803(8), but are the result of a specific request for production. 5 U.S.C. §
552(a)(3)(A). However, counsel for Wells Fargo admitted in its Answers to Plaintiffs’ First
Request for Admission that Wells Fargo Bank did receive a payment from the SBA in the
amount of $56,240.56 for the Note.5 The admission is dated August 20, 2013, which is before
both the summary judgment and motion to reconsider orders were entered, and would be
admissible as evidence to show that the SBA payment was made.
We are, as the district court itself was, “sensitive to the potential questions of fact such a
guaranty could have on the loan’s interest calculations,” and remand for a determination of what
effect, if any, the SBA payment has on the interest and balance due under the Note.
iii. The date of default
Houpts presented evidence that shows that Wells Fargo alleged three different dates of
default: July 1, 2009, as according to the SBA’s records; November 8, 2009, as according to the
2011 Notice of Trustee’s Sale; and March 8, 2009, as according to the 2012 Notice of Trustee’s
Sale. Houpts argue that depending on which date is accurate the amount owed in interest and,
consequently, the balance due on the Note will be affected.
It does not appear that the district court made any rulings or findings regarding the date of
default or the effect, if any, it would have on the interest and ultimate balance due on the Note.
5
Counsel for Wells Fargo also openly acknowledged in oral argument before this Court that such a payment was
received and simultaneously admitted that there was no indication in the record what effect, if any, the payment
would have on the interest and balance of the note.
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Given the questions of fact surrounding the date of default we remand to the district court to
determine the date of default and what effect, if any, the date has on the interest and balance due
under the Note.
b. The award of attorney fees and costs by the district court
Houpts argue that the district court erred in awarding attorney fees because Wells Fargo
was not the prevailing party. Further, Houpts maintain that even if Wells Fargo was the
prevailing party they should not be able to collect fees and costs for actions taken before they
became the recorded beneficiary of the Deed of Trust and that the time Wells Fargo alleges was
spent on litigation far exceeds the “time and labor required” under I.R.C.P. § 54(e)(3).
i. The prevailing party
Houpts maintain that Wells Fargo should not be deemed the prevailing party because
Wells Fargo only “prevailed” due to Houpts’ voluntary stipulation to sell the property. This
Court set out the standard of review when determining the prevailing party in Bream v.
Benscoter, 139 Idaho 364, 368, 79 P.3d 723, 727 (2003):
The determination of who is a prevailing party is
committed to the sound discretion of the trial court, and we will
not disturb that determination absent an abuse of discretion. Bolger
v. Lance, 137 Idaho 792, 53 P.3d 1211 (2002). To prove an abuse
of discretion, this Court applies the three-factor test. The three
factors are: (1) whether the trial court correctly perceived the issue
as one of discretion; (2) whether the trial court acted within the
boundaries of this discretion and consistent with the legal
standards applicable to the specific choices available to it; and (3)
whether the trial court reached its decision by an exercise of
reason. Fox v. Mountain West Elec., Inc., 137 Idaho 703, 52 P.3d
848 (2002).
Here the district court: (1) noted that Rule 54(d)(1) commits the determination of
prevailing parties to the sound discretion of the trial court; (2) noted that Houpts’ Complaint
against Wells Fargo was dismissed in its entirety and that Wells Fargo obtained the most
favorable outcome it could achieve; and (3) relying on those observations exercised its reason by
concluding that Wells Fargo was the prevailing party.
Given the district court’s application of these factors, we find no reason to disturb the
district court’s finding that Wells Fargo was the prevailing party because Wells Fargo obtained
“the most favorable outcome that could possibly be achieved.” Eighteen Mile Ranch, LLC v.
Nord Excavating & Paving, Inc., 141 Idaho 716, 719, 117 P.3d 130, 133 (2005) (noting that the
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prevailing parties were those that obtained “the most favorable outcome that could possibly be
achieved”).
ii. Amount of the award for attorney fees and costs
Houpts argue that the district court abused its discretion in determining the amount of
fees and costs awarded to Wells Fargo. Houpts also argue that the time Wells Fargo alleges was
spent on the litigation far exceeds the “time and labor required” under I.R.C.P. § 54(e)(3).
An award of attorney fees is a factual determination which is reviewed for abuse of
discretion. Smith v. Mitton, 140 Idaho 893, 901, 104 P.3d 367, 375 (2014). The amount of the
award rests in the sound discretion of the court and the burden is on the disputing party to show
an abuse of discretion in the award. Anderson v. Ethington, 103 Idaho 658, 660, 651 P.2d 923,
925 (1982). “A trial court does not abuse its discretion if it (1) correctly perceives the issue as
discretionary, (2) acts within the bounds of discretion and applies the correct legal standards, and
(3) reaches the decision through an exercise of reason.” Capstar Radio Operating Co. v.
Lawrence, 153 Idaho 411, 423, 283 P.3d 728, 740 (2012) (quoting O’Connor v. Harger Constr.,
Inc., 145 Idaho 904, 909, 188 P.3d 846, 851 (2008)). “[W]here issues of discretion are involved,
an award of attorney fees is proper if the appellant fails to make a cogent challenge to the judge’s
exercise of discretion.” Andrews v. Idaho Forest Indus. Inc., 117 Idaho 195, 198, 786 P.2d 586,
589 (Ct. App. 1990). Further, “[T]he law is clearly settled that when awarding attorney fees in a
civil action, the district court must consider I.R.C.P. 54(e)(3) factors, but need not make specific
written findings of the various factors.” Pool v. Davis, 153 Idaho 604, 607, 288 P.3d 821, 824
(2012) (quoting Lee v. Nickerson, 146 Idaho 5, 11, 189 P.3d 467, 473 (2008)).
The district court awarded costs and fees in two separate rulings. First, it awarded fees
and costs for actions occurring before June 12, 2012, in its Memorandum Decision and Order
Re: Motions for Reconsideration on February 20, 2014. Then, later, the court awarded fees and
costs for actions occurring after June 12, 2012 in its Memorandum Decision and Order Re:
Memorandum of Costs and Attorney Fees on June 2, 2014. In both rulings the district court
explicitly stated that it “considered all of the Rule 54(e)(3) factors” in determining the award
amounts. The court then, also in both rulings, went on to recognize that Wells Fargo Bank was not
the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust until Wells Fargo Bank recorded its assignment on September
4, 2012. The court then, again in both rulings, cited to Idaho Code section 45-1505(1) and reduced
Wells Fargo’s fees and costs by amounts that the district court calculated as corresponding with the
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time Wells Fargo spent on foreclosure proceedings. Specifically, in the Order Re: Motions for
Reconsideration, the district court noted that the amount was reduced based on the time “spent on
foreclosure proceedings (as opposed to bankruptcy proceedings and other matters) before the
assignment was recorded.” In the Order Re: Attorney Fees, the district court stated that fees were
reduced “so as to eliminate fees incurred by Defendants, in pursuit of nonjudicial foreclosure and
in defense against the Houpts’ Complaint, prior to the date the assignment was recorded.”
(1) The time and labor required under I.R.C.P. § 54(e)(3)
Houpts’ argument that the time alleged by Wells Fargo far exceeds the “time and labor
required” under I.R.C.P. 54(e)(3) is without merit. Aside from providing a total of hours Wells
Fargo claims to have spent on the matter, Houpts present no evidence and do not cite any
authority to support this argument. Rather they simply assert that Wells Fargo “far exceed the
‘time and labor required’ under I.R.C.P. § 54(e)(3).” Such an assertion is not a cogent challenge
and therefore, fails on its face. Utter v. Gibbins, 137 Idaho 361, 365, 48 P.3d 1250, 1254 (2002)
(“Where issues of discretion are involved, an award of attorney fees is proper if the appellant
fails to make a cogent challenge to the judge’s exercise of discretion.” (quoting Andrews, 117
Idaho at 198, 786 P.2d at 589)).
(2) Attorney Fees and Costs under the Deed of Trust
Here, the district court correctly perceived the issue as one of discretion, and using its
discretion, found that the Deed of Trust allowed for the award of attorney fees. 6 However, the
court then cited to Idaho Code section 45-1505(1) to limit Wells Fargo’s fees and costs to the
amounts corresponding to the foreclosure proceedings. Reliance on Idaho Code section 45-
1505(1) to limit attorney fees was a failure inconsistent with applicable legal standards. The
district court specifically found that fees and costs were appropriate under the Deed of Trust, not
section 45-1505(1). Furthermore, the district court’s earlier finding that section 45-1505(1) did
not support a cause of action for an attempted wrongful foreclosure precludes the district court
from allowing recovery or reduction of fees under section 45-1505(1).
Rather, by relying on the Deed of Trust as the authority for the awarding of fees and costs
the district court should have followed the precise language of the Deed of Trust which states:
6
The district court cites to the Note as well as the Deed of Trust for allowing attorney fees. However, the Note is not
relevant here because Houpts were released from any personal liability on the Note at the close of their bankruptcy
case. Wells Fargo acknowledged this in their brief to this Court and specifically states they are not seeking liability
under the Note.
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3. Expenses incurred by Beneficiary hereunder including reasonable
attorney’s fees shall be secured hereby.
....
8. The Grantor covenants and agrees as follows:
....
c. He will pay such expenses and fees as may be incurred in the
protection and maintenance of said property, including the fees of
any attorney employed by the Beneficiary for the collection of any or
all of the indebtedness hereby secured, of such expenses and fees as
may be incurred in any foreclosure sale by the Trustee, or court
proceedings or any other litigation or proceeding affecting said
property, and attorney’s fees reasonably incurred in any other way.
Deed of Trust ¶¶ 3–8 (emphasis added). Such language indicates that the Grantor is responsible
for fees and costs incurred by the Beneficiary. The district court explicitly ruled that Wells Fargo
Bank did not become the beneficiary until September 4, 2012. Accordingly, by the terms of the
Deed of Trust, Wells Fargo Bank would not be entitled to any fees or costs incurred in any action
related to the “protection and maintenance of said property” before that date.
Consequently, the district court abused its discretion by failing to conform to applicable
legal standards by (1) inconsistently stating that section 45-1505(1) did not give rise to a cause of
action then relying on section 45-1505(1) in its award of fees; and (2) by not following the precise
language of the Deed of Trust after identifying it as controlling as to attorney fees and costs.
Rather, the district court should have followed the express language of the Deed of Trust and the
court’s own finding that Wells Fargo Bank was not the beneficiary until September 4, 2012, and
eliminated all fees and costs (including those related to bankruptcy proceedings and other matters)
incurred by Wells Fargo before September 4, 2012.
C. Attorney Fees on Appeal
Houpts request attorney fees under Idaho Code section 12-120(3). Wells Fargo requests
fees under Idaho Code section 12-120(3), Idaho Code section 12-121, and the loan documents.
Under Idaho Code section 12-120(3) attorney fees are available to the prevailing party in
actions arising out of commercial transactions. Here, while the underlying transaction is
commercial in nature, neither Houpts nor Wells Fargo are the overall prevailing party because
while we affirmed the district court’s findings that Houpts’ claims for wrongful foreclosure and
declaratory and injunctive relief failed, we granted Houpts’ requests on the issues of the purported
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interest and loan balances and attorney fees and costs. Thus, neither party is the overall prevailing
party nor entitled to recover under section 12-120(3).
Therefore, because there is no clear overall prevailing party, Houpts’ appeal was not
brought frivolously, and Wells Fargo failed to adequately articulate a request under the loan
documents—each side will bear their own fees and costs.
IV. CONCLUSION
We affirm the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of Wells Fargo, but
remand for a determination of what effect, if any, the SBA payment and the date of default have on
the interest and balance due under the Note. Further, we vacate the district court’s grant of attorney
fees and costs and remand for a determination of costs and fees with specific instruction to exclude
all costs and fees incurred by Wells Fargo before September 4, 2012. Each side to bear their own
fees and costs on appeal.
Chief Justice J. JONES and Justices EISMANN, W. JONES and HORTON, CONCUR.
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