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Too Little, Too Late

Posted By Paula Henry on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 3:34:00 PM | 6 Comments

Tomorrow, her home will be up for bid at the Sheriff’s Sale. Woman Facing Foreclosure
She is young, married and has three little children. She called me yesterday to ask if there was anything I could do for her. Her lender had offered to sell the home to her “short”, except she couldn’t get the financing. That’s generally the case when you have not made your payments and she was eight months behind.

I explained there was nothing I could do unless the bank was still willing to allow a short sale, and advised her to seek legal counsel. I haven’t heard back, so assume they will not allow her to try to short sale. This is a story we have become accustomed to hearing, yet still, as a Realtor, I felt helpless. I listened to her story about layoffs and trying to get back on track and wonder…………….if she wouldn’t be better off letting the bank take the home back. It’s not my decision and I wish her the best.

Something she said though, upset me! Her interest rate is 8.5% and she financed a little over two years ago. She has an adjustable rate which is now at 12%. I guess she could tell I was astonished and told me they tried to back out of the transaction, but their Realtor convinced them it would be okay and they could refinance before the two years were up. He said it would make him look bad if they backed out.

She understood she and her husband signed the loan documents and she was aware they made a mistake. Her sincerity was evident.

While I looked at her tax info, I seen they had not filed for their homestead exemption. I told her she didn’t have them filed and she asked if that was why her taxes were so high. A $45,000 exemption on a $120,000 home is huge when it comes to taxes.

To her Realtor, What were you thinking? I can tell by the tax data, these people were tight. Who cares if it makes you look bad? If the loan is not a good loan for your client, you should care more about your client. As a Realtor, our obligation is to represent “the best interest” of our client, regardless of whether we get a paycheck. And, for pete’s sake, send out a reminder for your client to file their homestead exemption. It doesn’t take but a few seconds to phone or e-mail them.

I hope she finds a great place to rent for her and her family and gets back on her feet.

Find out more about short sales and your options when facing foreclosure.

Discussion

#1 Posted by Rita Taylor at 10/17/2007 4:35 PM

Her agent was looking at the short term $$$. I hate stories like this because we have a responsibility to look out for the interests of our clients. I would rather lose a sale today than have a bankrupt client with a foreclosed home in a few years.

#2 Posted by Thesa Chambers | Broker | Sunriver Realty at 10/17/2007 8:01 PM

Oh Paula - my heart breaks for people like this - good people put into a bad place - thank you for reminding each of us that it is not always what it seems to be.

#3 Posted by Susie Roscoe at 10/17/2007 11:09 PM

What a sad story...and hard for you to swallow knowing she was given some bad advice by her "past Realtor." It's too bad she didn't find you sooner...maybe you could've helped vs. having the home go to auction.

#4 Posted by Jennifer Fivelsdal at 10/18/2007 2:26 AM

Paula- This is so sad and this is the type of scenario that will be repeated many times. It is so important to chose the right agent, not all agents are equal.

#5 Posted by Joanne Hanson at 10/18/2007 -1:50 PM

And where is her agent today? I do think people have to have individual responsibility for things they sign, but sometimes the emotion of the moment gets in the way, and a trusted advisor should give reliable and unbiased advise.

#6 Posted by The Front Porch View at 10/19/2007 4:21 PM

Sad but all to common these days. Really great tip on the Homestead Exemption idea! That would make a great postcard or mailout every year.