November 21, 2009: Let the Games Begin

It's taken a while to get to this point; the point where I'm actually sitting down and discussing Short Sale with a real estate agent.  I've spent the last year trying to figure out how to avoid this.  All the while, I've been making up the difference between the money I earn and the money I owe by using credit cards.  I've cried, gotten angry, tried to be creative, and finally given in.  There is no other way.

And, WOW, do I feel better!  Just making the decision has lifted the burden significantly.  I'm going to have to let my house go....

How did I get into this situation to start with?  My story is just another version of the same ole story so many are experiencing.  I'm a single mom of three.  My daughter's father lost his job, and his child support vanished like a New Orleans specter.  Strike one.  Then my car engine blew up.  All my savings went into rebuilding the motor, (a cheaper option than buying a new car and acquiring car payments-my car is paid off.)  Strike two.  And lastly, my daughter's insurance dropped her.  My personal income as a teacher is too high to qualify her for Medicaid, ( or Medicare, whichever it is), so now I must pay out of pocket.  (Congress and Obama are moving way too slowly here!) Strike three, you're out!  So, here I am, with a low interest 30 year fixed loan, and not enough money to pay it.  Oh, yeah, and I also live in Nevada...#1 for foreclosure, credit card default, unemployment, prostitution, gambling...it's a regular Disneyland here! 

Christy, my real estate agent, is wonderful, and an expert in Short Sales.  Apparently, I have to NOT make a mortgage payment for 3 months.  I can do that!  I also have to write a letter authorizing her to communicate with my lender regarding my loan.  I am not to contact them or discuss my loan with them at all.  Done!  So far, this short sale thing is not so painful...

Christy did warn me about the impending calls from the mean people who want to belittle me, harass me, grind me into dust, for not keeping up with my payments.  Apparently, there are demons from hell who assume the form of human debt collectors, and they are going to try to eat my soul.  However, I'm told they can only have as much power as I give them.  Armor on, battle gear in hand, I think I'm ready...

Let the Games Begin!