Once upon a time there was a girl who fell in love with a boy who lived high upon a mountain top. This girl had been a gypsy all her life, following her Wild Heart to many wondrous places. She
grew up by the beach & knew little of snowdrifts & snow days & snow plows, but over 13 years she learned much about these things & because the love she had for the boy was so great...no matter how much she moaned & groaned every winter, she stayed & craved a life out for herself & the ones she loved high upon that mountain.
Together this couple lived season after season in their small cabin on the hill, sometimes loving it & sometimes dreaming of a getaway. A fire broke out in their house one day many years ago when they were gone & by the time they got back, the interior was pretty well gone. This event truly broke their hearts...the loss, the damage, the fear & the dread. Over the course of the next two years, living in a trailer in their yard, through REAL blood, sweat & tears, their house was repaired board by board & brick by brick & became the little dream cottage they had always longed for.
A blessing came in the way of a Grandson. He came to this cottage in the mountains since he was born, bundled up in his bunting & soon playing out side in his snowsuit. He couldn't imagine his Munga & Grandpa living anywhere else, now this had become his sense of HOME too. Over the past few years, as the economy turned bad so quickly, many things changed for this boy & this girl. No matter how they tried they couldn't seem to stay afloat. They closed a shop, lost a truck & a trailer...buckled down to the lowest of minimums & still times got rougher. In an effort to hold on to what they held dear, they tried a home loan modification...a process that would take 18 months
During the 18 months they were told they qualified for the modification & to make half house payments until all the paperwork went through. And so, being naive & vulnerable, they did as they were told having faith in a system that would in the end, only let them down.
As they navigated through these muddied waters, memories were still being made in their little cottage in the mountains. The baby they loved, grew into a little boy. Holidays came & went. Springs turned into summers, which turned into falls & until once again the snow fell as they waited to find out their fate.
The couple is us...
Two months ago we were told our fate...
we didn't make enough money for the home loan modification
& now that we hadn't been paying the correct monthly payment
for all those months that they were reviewing us,
in order to keep this house, our home,
we needed to come up with $10,000, yesterday.
$10,000...is this a nightmare, somebody wake me up, please.
So ya mean to tell me that if B of A had been efficient & told us in 2 months that we didn't qualify, we would have just been working hard like everybody else to make our payments & we would have owed them like $1,000. It never dawned on either of us that by making these half payments we would have a balloon payment. They told us we were qualified, that's why we made those payments in the 1st place & anything owed was suppose to go on to the end of the loan...not so much!
We had a realtor come to the house for an appraisal, we are upside down by about $20,000...so selling it ain't gonna happen. We can walk away..but really OUCH!! We could take out a loan for the $10,000 & try our best to pay off the loan & make out house payments. We can dig a big hole in the sand & bury our heads in it & hope we don't wake up until 2013.
Sometimes, I'm a runner when it all gets too hard, sometimes fighting just takes too much of an emotional toll. Hubby wants to hit the road & travel for a year, just sell at big shows, work our side businesses, see if we might be able to get by. But at the end of the day, everybody needs a home. Everybody needs a place to hang their cowboy hat, a place to keep their stuff. So what to do Sweet Hearts, what to do?
We are both frozen, one day we want to stay, the next hour we say screw them...they can have it. The next morning I can't imagine not having a home. I'm too old for this now...if I were in my 20's & had the time to make it all up again, I'd be gone, just for the hell of it! I'm tired & scared & am just so sick of worrying about it all. I have handed it up to God & he hasn't gotten back to me yet. I know, so many in the same predicament...he must be exhausted!
So, here's where you come in. You have always been my trusted advisers, my rebel sistahs, my united front on the front lines. If you were me & in this moment & be really glad you're not...what would YOU do. Give me your knowledge, your heart, take my hand & lead me gently to a new way of thinking...maybe I've missed something along the way. The answer could be sitting right there in front of me, so close & yet I'm blinded.
Can I tell y'all, you mean everything to me...
Thank You Sweet Hearts,
my eyes & ears & mind are Wide Open!!!
XOXO
vintagesusie
30 comments:
Oh Susie my heart aches for you. Truly, I don't know what I'd do - as we get older it gets harder to summon up the energy to fight even when we know that's what we should do. Knowing myself though I probably would fight just for the principal of the thing. And probably go to every website I could find about this situation - because you KNOW it's happening to so many others too - and protest. The more publicity the better. Have you considered trying a reverse mortgage? That's the only other thing my brain can come up with right now. I wish you the best and will be praying for you. And God WILL give you an answer - it may not be the one you want but it will be an answer. Big hugs!
Susie ~
Dang that makes me so mad at the bank! I just do not understand how they can get away with it and now you are left trying to figure out what to do ~ Someone really close to me has a for sale sign in front of their home that they raised their children in ~ It was forclosed on ~ It is so heartbreaking!!
I would probably take out a loan for the 10,000 and work like crazy on your new products because they are awesome !!
hugs and prayers,
Lori
I am so sorry this is happening to you. I would keep the house at any cost, take a loan, find a way to pay that money back. Once the house is gone you can never replace it.
We sold our house to move across the world and although it was the right thing to do for our family we are now in the situation of struggling to make ends meet as this recession gets worse and having to pay rent and knowing that we will never ever be able to own our own home again.
Hang on, I know it is hard but you have a lot of friends wishing you well and who understand what you are going through.
I completely understand your heartache. I was laid off from my job a month ago and we are going to have to give up our house. We have lost $80,000 in equity and it is just not worth the hassle at this point. I wish I had some advice for you...B of A is horrible and I can't tell you how many times I have heard this exact same thing! I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers.
~Trisha
Dear Susie...
I was shocked when I read they were demanding their lump sum pymt with only few days to get it in! If you had that kind of money you wouldn't have been asking for a modification in the first place!! ugggh!!! We have gone thru similar financial struggles and never in a million years did we think we would be struggling to buy gas and food. Last year we did the loan modification since we are down to one income and have owned this home for 15years - luckily we purchased it at a reasonably low price and it is worth more than we owe, so they are "safe" in working with us....it took about 4-6 months and now they only came off of our pymt by less than 100.00! Of course, I feel like I sound ungrateful but gosh that doesn't make up for the emotional upset we experienced trying to ask for the modification and we are still trying to make that huge monthly payment. I think if we were faced with that kind of lump sum payback amount and no where to possibly obtain it (selling gold&silver; estate sale to save your estate; etc.), I would consult with an attorney to see if you could slow down the process - bankruptcy; giving back in lieu of foreclosure; maybe something else?? Don't walk away just yet because the frustration of ever trying to buy anything else requiring a loan will definitely take its emotional toll on you both. My husband and I have thought about doing the shows route and the fees the shows charge is a big show stopper for us!! So we have to pick our venues based on the least out-of-pocket expense cuz we ain't got a penny in our pocket no more :( Darn it!!
xoxo,
Beth
I wish I had some advice. I know how much we struggle. We should be getting ready for retirement and that's not happening. There should be some answer out there for you. If you walk away will you have any equity to buy something else. I am guessing not. That's what isn't fair. Does the bank give advice to where you should live. So sorry. I will say some prayers and maybe you find an aswer. Please keep us posted. We have a second floor we don't use if you want to move to Ohio. ((((HUGS))))
Oh Susie, how I wish I had the magic answer or suggestion for you. I have a friend who is in a similar predicament. I sent her the link to your blog and I know she has already emailed you.
I will keep you in my prayers.
~ Tracy
I HATE BANK OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That said...my thoughts are don't turn & run! This is your home. Chucking it will be total heart break & foolish fincial move. I know that if you fix up that cute trailer you just bought & use your magic... you will be able to sell it for a nice profit... and your spoons are adorable! You just keep on keepin on. And Courtney will certainly chip in (rent) for staying there with Kai... and hubby you say is uber talented Mr Fix It... so lots of prayers, hard work & in the end... The ENTIRE family will have worked together to save your home & THAT will be a good feeling. May Bank of America suck eggs. Love ya sweetie! Charlene
I'm with Charlene, Bank of A stinks! I'm also with the rest of the comments that say, don't run, fight. I know your husband is a wonderful carpenter, has he thought about set work. I know it's a long way away but I had a friend who's husband would be on set building for a month, finish the movie set then go back home. I think too if your magnolia pearl'ed the trailer I bet you could sell it for a mint. I'm so sorry this has happened to you, I have no financial advise but I'm thinking of you and I so hope this works out. You have a wonderful spirit, I know you can get through this! Big Texas hug commin' at ya! xoxo-cindy
I love you. I'll be back... but while I'm thinking - I love you.
OMG. How can a bank that is supposed to be helping you do that to you? They shall get theirs I hope. Do not lose your home..it is home afterall. You can never buy those memories back. Try to get a loan for the $10K or do the bankruptcy thing...
I am sickened by this as so many people who are working their butts off are being hung out to dry while others who do nothing seem to have a free ride..
I agree you have uber talent...sell those items at some shows and I am praying for you dear friend.
tammy
Susie, this breaks my heart. But I would fight this tooth and nail. I hope you have something in writing perhaps that advised you about those half-payments. I would get local media involved and a reputable attorney who will only take payment after the dust has settled. What that bank did to you is not right. They are taking advantage of the situation. Unfortunately this is happening to so many people. I wish you all the best and although it is hard to fight, I believe it would be harder to walk away. Ann
OMG! Susie! I'm so sorry...and mad for you!!! How could this have happened?! They obviously have no clue what they're doing!
We are all hoping and wishing and pulling for you! Can any of your family help?
Oh, I feel so helpless...and yet, I want to do something! Fight it, Susie!
We love you!
Sometimes we have to let go of the fear and embrace the unknown.....our house just went up for auction last Wed. I was not able to hold it together with my hubby. I have been on my own for a year.......and oh what a STRUGGGGGGLE!!!!!!
This month and the next are going to be the worst ever....I m self employed and I m barely making enough for my $1400 rent.
I could bury my head......scream at the top of my lungs but I know......I have to hold my head high......take it day by day and minute by minute.
Material things come and go in this life....hold fast to the ones u love...wether its in your dream home...an apt....or a lil trailer.
Life is all about love and family....seems to me....you have all that...with or without your home. Best of luck~
Darling Susie:
First let me (like so many other commentors) say we are in similar straits. We applied for the same program with our lender and found out we had a Fannie Mae loan...didn't even know that before. IndyMac won't even talk to us about anything, they will only communicate through FM. It's a nightmare. They have only told us we haven't been late with a payment and so we can't apply, but like you if we do then we're screwed the other direction. We have used all our savings trying to stay afloat. With our daugher and grands living with us, were it not for her getting food assistance....we would be up shit creek.
But my advice is stay. Don't give it up. Foreclosure....should it come to that, takes some months to close, just like a loan.
You're a smart cookie and your husband is very talented. Make a pact to fight the #@$tards with all you have.
Pulling for all of us in this situation...it's not like we thought it would be and it just doesn't seem like there's much to be done about it except don't let um win honey. We'll join hands figuratively and help each other be strong.
Much love and light, Linda, The Olde Bagg
Dang it!!! I'm so sorry to hear about the trouble your having. I know how it feels, been there and doing that. We just got our house modified, after going through much the same thing with sending in money to the lender only to have out loan sold and non of the payments count with our new note holder.
I read through all the comments and if love were money you'd have no problems. I think what Sheri said is so very true, It's all about what you do have and what money can't buy. We are still struggling to make sure our payment gets paid every month, but we have also learned that our health and our family is something that no bank can take away from us. Remember you and your family is what makes those four walls a home. You are stronger than you think and more important than a bank statement. All my best to you and your family, your in my prayers. Be strong little buck-a-roo!!!!
Debbie
Oh sweet Susie I wish I had a magical solution for you! It breaks my heart that you and your family (and all the the other families that are experiencing something similar) are going through this. I agree that you should do everything in your power to stay and fight. It seems like what that bank did is horribly wrong. I wish you could find a lawyer who thought so to. I know that is wishful thinking, but I'm grasping at straws for you! I'm praying for you girlfriend. You're a strong chicka and I know you guys will be okay no matter what happens.
Hang in there honey.
xo,
Karen
Found you through Robelyn @ Red.Neck.Chic.
Is 'B of A' Bank of America?
If so, they have a history of doing this kind of nonsense... I would contact the Congressional Representative for your district in Washington and tell him/her what BoA has done to you...
Then I would contact both of my Senators in Washington... and tell them what BoA has done to you...
... indicate that you worked in good faith and that you were screwed over by trying to do the right thing.
You mention that you want to hide until 2013?
Given the state our country is in today, that's not going to be long enough...
I'm sorry...
~shoes~
Susie,
My favorite younger brother is in the same place. He has more bedrooms and has taken in renters. They are generally having a good time and i think he will hold onto his house. He has moved to the basement and is redoing it. Renters are largely exchange students from the junior college. He is off to China, where my nephews are thriving and making money, and the house will be managed by Sue, who got the master bedroom and bath. I don't know if this is at all helpful but he was constantly lied to by the loan company. Just ticked me off to know end.
You have my prayers. So hard at our age.
XO,
Suz
Oh dear! My heart goes out to you and all of you that are going are have gone through similar situations. I wish we could go back to the "olden days"....everything was much simpler for sure.
Well, easy for us to say to hang on to the house, I sure hope you can but you gotta do what you gotta do. I'd sure try for the loan and work the ole butt off for the payments.
The whole economic situation stinks, and I still believe there's alot of manipulation that goes on, the rich get richer.
Take care sweetie, you are Strong, you are Woman...remember that,
Lucy (talk about AWOL.!!)
I mean this in the most loving way...Give them back the house...Move to Texas.....Be successful and happy!!!!
this is why i never ever deal with banks, always credit unions. i am sorry to hear your bad news. fine print is always the killer. remember that you have your family, your health and those who love you. maybe owning a house is not what we Americans have made it out to be. time, love and health should be our ulitimate goal in life. stay strong you will survive. i will keep positive thoughts for you.
My heart just breaks for you! I don't have words of wisdom for you or others going through similiar circumstances, but I have to believe that you hold onto what you hold dear. I have a friend that is going through the same things with B of A. She has contacted our state rep and lawyers. She has been fighting for months. Stay strong and believe that God has a good plan for you and your family.
Sending up prayers for you and others that are in this situation.
I am the friend of Sheila R. that is going through the same thing. We have had major medical issues since 2004 with our son and my husband. I have been fighting with BOA since 1/29/2009 for a loan modification. They have tossed us in so many directions. A bankruptcy attorney told me they are as big as the Fed. Govnmt. We applied 3 times for HAMP, said we qualified. When we finally got papework, we paid 9 mos of a modified payment. Kept asking for more info, but their fax was so busy, it would not go through, they cancelled my agreement. Once they called me for more check stubbs - they thought I made $8000.00 (yes the desmil is in the right place) a month!! I told them if I did, I would not be talking to you. We had an review extension w/Freddie Mac but BOA foreclosed (no purchaser) anyway. None of them have good communication and constantly pass the buck. I have Congressman Graves' office involved in all emails from Jan 2011 on. Meeting with an attorney tomorrow who is willing to take them on. I have fought(Countrywide was in 2007!)for too many years to just give up - as my husband said, it is not about money, but principle, truth and the right thing. Hang in there - if you want to contact me, that is fine. I pray you find the direction you feel you and your family need to go. When they said life is not easy - they had not heard of BOA. My husband said they make the Mofia look like choir boys. We have two sons, 13½ and 18 (special needs) and should be thinking of retiring but that will be just a dream - my prayer is just to keep my home. God bless.
First of all,my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. When I lost my job and had to go on SSDI, I had many debts. I called my local Consumer Credit Counseling Office. This is a non-profit service not the 1-800-I'm in deep s**t scams that you see on TV. They have resources. You need Resources right now. It took 3 years to pay down my bills. They created a schedule for me. This is the first place to start. Have faith. Trust yourself.
oh my sweet friend, I am so sorry that this is happening. First let me tell you that I am praying for you both, and I know that you will find the right answer. I think that there are so many things wrong with what the banks & mortgage companies are doing these days... I just do not understand. I also totally agree with the other comments though... you should fight.
Love you and sending you {{{Texas sized Hugs}}}
amy
Oh Susie I am BEYOND SORRY you've found yourself with these difficult decisions to make....I wish I could help or say something to make it right for you but of course I can't....I can only offer hugs from afar & HOPES the tide will turn in your favour....!!!!!
Warmest Aussie HUGS,
Tamarah xx
I got sick in 2003 (I was the big breadwinner in the home) and could no longer work and went on disability but social security takes it dear time and it took over a year to get a payment... long story short, we lost our beloved home, a home we welcomed in our children and grandchildren, a home we put our heart and soul into! But after losing the home and going into a rental I thought I would die.... but I didn't! I found that a house is only a home with your family surrounding you and that can be in any house. I am so sorry and your story broke my heart! Have your thought about just refinancing... interest rates are so low right now? You could end up with an even lower payment. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pendra
pendrasplace.blogspot.com
Hi...I just found your blog this AM....I love your work!!!
I am so sorry you have to be a part of this dismantling of the American Dream...I too have my feelings about how the banks(who didn't bat an eye while taking the tax payer bailout $$$ and NOT passing on the same grace they got to their loan customers)are just out to stockpile their real estate reserves for when the market gets back on its feet...don't get me started.
I will keep you in my prayers. I know wot the bank did results for you and your family into what is a psychologist/emotional assault...I will keep you in my prayers.
Posh
I just accidentally stumbled across your blog. Your story sounds so close to home it hurts.
Run, don't walk to your local social services agency and ask if anyone is doing mortgage assistance in your area. If you're in one of the 17 hardest hit states, the feds gave them money to help folks and you may be entitled to your very own lil bailout.
Good luck, from one scared NaNa to another. My T's & P's will be with you and yours.
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