Still No Place Like Home
June 24th, 2009 |
When Dorothy clicked her heels she could only hope to escape her current nightmare. Never had she been in a place so uncomfortable. She only hoped to end up back home, in Kansas. “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” Each time, she recalled warmth and comfort. Home allows us a fortress from the world’s confusion. Inside, we’re able to take a break from things that move much faster. Outside, everyone is in a rat race, stepping on anyone who might get in the way. “There’s no place like home.” Three times she whispers. Feeling the wind move around her, things start change and grow more familiar. In 2009, Dorothy would click her stilettos three times only to end up clutching mail warning her of home foreclosure.
It’s hard to picture your home in shackles, a judge handing down its fate. Perhaps a spouse loses their promising nine to five. Maybe a new addition to the family has caused medical expenses to rise unexpectedly. It doesn’t help that your mortgage bill is increasing also. Along side cars and insurance, this can be pretty tough. There are over 2.2 million foreclosed homes(and pre-foreclosure) across the US. Unfortunately the numbers continue to climb. So how can we help stop home foreclosure?
Tent-Cities have been popping up by the dozens. They’ve been reported in places like Reno, Nevada, Seattle, Washington, and Nashville, Tennessee. Many people middle class citizens who have been bumped down. These people have been misplaced by mortgage foreclosure. Replaced in an environment totally unfamiliar. Imagine you lose everyday amenities most people take for granted; running water, walking on carpet to the restroom, turning on the light switch, doing your makeup, or fixing your hair in the mirror. All these routines are simple and overlooked when home is sweet. Picture how different it would be completing these daily tasks from a tent or a shelter. Cold, hot, wet, dirty, tired, hungry…feelings which couldn’t be so easily adjusted. Home sweet home. A safe haven, so warm and comfortable.
Lose your home and soon survival becomes more important than the usual sit-down dinner on Sunday.� You are now eating the same food you used to donate.� Mom’s femininity is not as important as keeping the family intact. Dad tries to find work. The kids feel a sudden urge to rebel. Children refuse and are unwilling to adapt to a new, much harsher environment. You can remember how you never missed an episode of the TV show “Survivor.” Now you’re the star of your own hit reality series.
What do you do? Below are a few tips on avoiding home foreclosure:
- Don’t Panic. Panic makes the situation ten times worse by hindering your decision making ability.
- Prioritize. Clear your mind of excess. Filter out things unimportant to be closer to your solution.
- Look Around. Chances are there are things (valuables) you can learn to do without. Expensive cars, toys, gadgets, jewelry etc.
- Talk to the boss. If he/she isn’t stubborn, perhaps they’ll work with you. Ask to modify or lengthen your loan term which they may consider.
- Refinance. Switch to a mortgage with monthly costs that are higher than today’s but lower than next years or the year after. If you have a loan that you know will be going up, why wait until your credit is bad or until you’ve missed a few payments? DO IT NOW
- Make a Decision. Often it is better to sell the property before its in the judge’s hands. Make a decision to save the price and your credit.
- Ask for Help. You’d be surprised to know who would agree to help in difficult times. Sometimes the help is right there in your church congregation or community group. Research Temporary Indulgence. You bring your loan up to date once late fees and other fees are paid.
- Got a Camper? They’re great! A home on wheels! Another one of man’s great inventions. Now, there’s a way to bring the family together! An exciting cross-country road trip!
Lee is a twenty-something Infopreneur passionate about encouraging others to live free and abundantly. Save your home and your credit. If you are facing foreclosure in California, send an email myhomefree@inbox.com
