sale for $225000 is different from get $225,000.

It is up to how much the loan. If he bought at $300,000 and borrow $250,000. He got nothing. Like short sale. The records only show sold price. I don't think he paid off. In CA The loan amount can be found through the record. This is the reason I don't like this kind article. OK if I have asset for about 20M, but the bank owns 99.99%. Am I rich ? I think his family is in financial trouble even both of them are working.
I agree "the bottom-line is: violence does NOT solve problems"