Not saying this is the case here, but many times an owner will borrow heavily against the property, then try to sell it before the bank takes it, pay off the bank and hopefully make a small amount, In reality, the spent what's borrowed, then make an arrangement as has been done here, then walk away ! Let them do whatever they want as he has had his money, probably had 85-90 % off the bank, the 200k of the woman.May even have bought a 2nd property with it.
Horrible to be stuck in,won't be the first , sure as he'll wong be the last.