| Hi ada, there is no reason for them not to be forthcoming, unless they have something to hide. I would check my options to refinance the building somewhere else and include the "repairs & updating" money you need. Once another option is in place, then I would play hardball. I would send them a letter or have an attorney do so, registered, requesting full disclosure and an opportunity to discuss a reduced payoff to clear this loan. Often times they will accept less.
You can also check your registry of deeds to see what they filed for a lien. Again an attorney could do that for you, but determine what legal grounds they have to collect that money. Sometimes life insurance is built into loan agreements and her passing should have paid it off.
Just a guess at the numbers, but a $20,000 loan at 8% for 30 years would have a balance of about $14,000 sixteen years later and the payments would be about $150 per month. So that is one possible number and 8% 16 years ago would have been common, but that is way high today.
Bottom line is an attorney is probable going to be necessary and you will want to be sure you have an option, just in case they do demand full payment. Try to correspond in writing to have a record of all communications.
My personal opinion is, there is something they don't want YOU to know.
Bud  | 
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