My question involves bankruptcy in the state of: maryland

Hi All. My elderly mother takes care of my sisters kids and is way over her head in debt. I recommended that she look into bankruptcy. After seeing a lawyer, they determined that she should file chapter 7.

She owes 88 ish on her house that a local realtor did an analysis on and came to the value being 110k. The homestead exemption was used along with the wildcard on her car which is worth around $6000. The trustee said that Zillow values the house around 155 (way off) and then asked a realtor friend of his to stop by and look at the house. While visiting, he agreed the house was around 116k and left. A few days later, her lawyer was told the house would be put on the market because he believes its worth more. Problem is, he would not reveal the amount they thought it was worth. Is that legal?

The house two houses down just sold for 116 and it’s bigger with more yard. Both homes need a new roof, carpet, etc. the other home has a garage and finished basement while my moms is half finished. It makes no sense that my moms can go anywhere above 120, max.

My moms lawyer said she’s at a loss of words because a trustee has never done this in her experience. She has seen it for other situations, but never with my moms. She said she has not worked with this trustee before. She said we could pay back debt, take the car off the wild card and sell it, switch to chapter 13 or roll the dice and let the house be listed and see what happens. Taking off the wildcard would then be applied to the house.

I’m confused why they don’t have to reveal their opinion on the value? Because they aren’t, it makes me think they are scaring my elderly mom and forcing her into 13. Losing her car would not be a huge deal but she does use it a lot. I want to give her the best advice and appreciate any help.

Thank you
P.s.
This whole process is extremely “shady”. This very rich old trustee is telling my 82 year old mother that he’s taking her house. He then finds his “friend” to come out and look at the house. Mind you, this guy works in a different county. The original realtor who did the analysis said “The house is not worth more than $120k Max”.