It Ain't All Big Hair and Cadillacs

Ya know - I’ve decided that I want run for Congress - my dilemma: overcoming the paradigm that one aspires to move up and not - um - down. BUT! Just think of all the fun I’d have riding the train under The Capitol - sitting in convertibles waving at my constituents in parades, playing golf with my lobbiest “buddies” - Ahhhh - what a LIFE!

Honestly, though - I think the best part would be sitting in commitees and writing legislation. Imagine sitting in a big room covered in mahogany wainscoting, sitting in a cordovan leather highback chair behind the massive, hand carved desk with my BIG brass name tag in front of me -I might even have a microphone in front of me. My voice would boom while speaking down to the little peop - er - constituents - um - not MY constituents, but constituents nonetheless.

My esteemed colleague would be standing behind me whispering where the guys were going to meet up for drinks after the hearing while the pathetic homeowner in front of me goes on and ON AND ON about how some slick mortgage broker sold him a bill of goods and now he can’t make his mortgage payment. But I feign to listen because it’s only for a few hours and then I get to ride the under ground train with my buds ‘cuz tonight I’m drinkin’ and schmoozing with da bankers!

Just think about it! I’d get to drink single malt scotch while Jimbo Biggidy Big Banker throws his arm around my shoulder, pulls me aside - walks me out on the patio at The Capital Grille, hands me a cigar and tells me that those wacky Wall Street boys - ha ha - you know the type - custom shirts and suits from Hong Kong - well they really blew it. Look at ALL that hell they’ve caused.

Jimbo likes to talk in the third person.

Tommy - Jimbo’s bank is losing money. How was Jimbo supposed to know that people weren’t going to be able to pay for all of those mortgages? I mean housing always goes up - ha ha *slap on the back* right?

I mean - if I have to write down the value of all those assets - well -um - you see Tom, Jimbo and Marge won’t be able to host that ski junket in Vail this year - and we all know how much Tommy LOVES to ski.

Dammit! There is no way in hell I am NOT going skiing in Vail this year.

So Jimbo - let’s just say I get a few of my esteemed colleagues together - write a few rules and regs - make sure my boss covers your ass. You won’t lose a penny more on those declining assets - I mean, if you have to write them down to say - 85%, will that keep Vail in the running? Let’s face it - you can always foreclose - I mean who wouldn’t want to find a bargain?

While reading this month's Illinois Realtor Magazine, I came across the following site sponsored by the Illinois Association of Realtors and its foundation, the Partnership for Homeownership. The resources for grants, assistance funds, legal assistance, HUD-approved counselors, senior services and energy assistance programs.

The interactive map allows you to select your county - you'll be provided a list of resources in the categories provided.

For those facing a potential foreclosure or currently in foreclosure, IAR's consumer site, www.YourIllinoisHome.com provides an array of resources for people currently facing foreclosure.

In light of the current real estate market conditions, the Federal and Illinois state governments and other non-profit organizations are offering assistance.

If you are in facing a foreclosure, SEEK ASSISTANCE - there are a number of organizations who can help. Most importantly, call your lender! If you are unable to make your mortgage payment, explain to your lender your situation.

US Housing and Urban Development homeowner counseling: 1-800-569-4287

Federal Housing Administration refinancing program, FHASecure

Illinois Legal Aid

Neighborhood Works America Center for Foreclosure Solutions: 1-800-995-HOPE(4673)

Our Own Home, Illnois Treasurer's Office loan and refinance program: 1-800-803-4663

I've come across 2 websites that provide a list of foreclosures. The first list is for properties in Cook as well as additional counties in northern Illinois:

http://cook.il-foreclosure.com/

The site allows you to purchase the actual foreclosure documents which have been filed. It also lists the auction service, location, time and date of the actual property auction.

The second site is a national list of real-time filings in 35 states for forclosures which have been filed, www.foreclosurepoint.com. The site provides real-time listings, including property type, address and estimated value via Zestimates where available, and date of filing. Owners contact information is available for a fee if you subscribe to the site.

While foreclosures are becoming more and more common, I thought I would pass along the following article regarding purchasing foreclosed properties at auction.