Ball v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

¶1 John W. Ball’s estate (Estate) appeals the trial court’s summary dismissal of the Estate’s claim that the merger doctrine should preclude a junior lienholder from receiving excess funds from a trustee sale when the same entity also was the senior lienholder and was the successful bidder at the sale. Because the merger doctrine is inapplicable to this case and RCW 61.24.080(3) governs this situation, we affirm the trial court’s ruling.

FACTS

¶2 In April 2001, John W. Ball executed a deed of trust (Senior Deed) encumbering his property in favor of Washington Mutual Bank to secure a $52,000…