For most people, buying a home is the largest purchase we ever make, and chances are it was largely an emotional decision.   There was something about the view, the trees, or the kitchen appliances; something spoke to us and we were ready to buy.  Over time, that emotional attachment increases as we put our personal stamp on the house and make it our home.  No wonder that the idea of losing a home through foreclosure can be emotionally shattering.

Grieving for the loss of a home and what it means to you and your family can be very upsetting.  Too often however, I see people avoid dealing with the reality of their financial situation simply because it is too painful to even contemplate.  These are the folks that ignore the letters and phone calls from their lenders and just pray that somehow it all goes away or that they win the lottery.

If any of this touches a nerve, it might be time to take a hard look at your situation.   Try to put aside the memories of holidays in your home, and ask yourself a few simple questions:

  1. Are you behind on your mortgage payments?  What about your property taxes, insurance and HOA dues?  Are you allowing maintenance items to accumulate because you can’t afford to fix things?
  2. Has your bank notified you and provided options to help?  Have you received a Notice of Default?
  3. Do you owe more than your house is currently worth?  Is the negative equity greater than 20%?
  4. Has your household income dropped in the last two years?  Are you dipping into your savings or other assets to make ends meet?  Do you doubt that your income will improve in the next 3-6 months?

If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, it’s time to take action.  As difficult as it might be to face the reality of your situation, it is far less emotionally stressful to act now while you still have options and are still in control.  As soon as you miss a mortgage payment, the clock starts ticking on a countdown to foreclosure.  Wait too long to act and your options disappear.

If you live in San Diego County and are ready to discuss all the various options available, please give me a call for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.

Marti Kilby

Broker Associate, REALTOR

DRELicense # 01474222

619-846-9249

marti@kilby.com