Hatrack River Forum: Help? - Housing advice needed

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Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :

A brief refresher course:

While I was financially strapped to begin with, Monica left me in August. I got laid off right before Christmas. I flat ran out of money total in April, forcing me to use the last I had to take a Job in Greenville, Sc. The job has gone very well and pays well, too. I would try to catch up my credit but it's almost entirely in default, now... and all of them refused to negotiate with me back when I got laid off.

Which brings us to now. In three weeks, I officially take custody of my five kids.

I found a suitable house, I saved up the deposit, I applied. The Property Management company turned me down... not with extra deposit... not a less expensive house... not no way... not no how. "Caine Real Estate cannot help you. I am so sorry."

So...

what now? I have been advised that their competition is mostly tougher than they are... I have one place I am trying tomorrow... if they do not approve me, I'm toast. There's no way anyone will give me a mortgage-- it took me two weeks to find a place that would give me a *savings* account.

I know there are tactics to rebuild credit... but I simply do not have time to employ them before I need a place to house my family.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm out of ideas, but that certainly doesn't mean I don't have options... just that I am ignorant of them.

thanks,
Jim

P.S. - prayers and happy thots welcome, too.

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

Well, that majorly sucks, Jim.

When my son becomes the huge property manager he says he is going to be someday -- I'll make sure he never does this to anyone.

Some people deserve a second chance. Especially in circumstances like yours.

Sorry I have no advice -- I know nothing in this area. But you have my prayers.

FG

Posted by Jacare Sorridente (Member # 1906) on :

What about renting for a while?

As I understand it, you rebuild your credit by paying your debts faithfully for a while ( a few years)

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

Have you checked into HUD resources? They might have info that could help you. [Dont Know]

Gee, I hope this gets worked out. [Frown]

(((hugs)))

Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :

Jacare,

I am trying to rent... purchasing is out of the question... if I could afford the time and $ to declare bankrupcy, and then save about 20% down, then I could buy

*we need a bitter smile emoticon*

edit: thanks for hugs and prayer, ladies [Hat]

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

You need to find a house being rented by the owners directly, without property management. Then you can offer a two or three month rent deposit - if I'm reading you right you can afford something like that.

The other alternative is network, network, network. Have you tried speaking to your Church? It's not so much charity as trust you need. There should be something possible there.

I'm sorry you're going through this. [Frown]

Dagonee

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

That's true! My aunt's church has a bulletin board where they list housing owned by members of the parish that's available to rent! Maybe there's something like that there?

Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :

Jim-Me, best of luck to you and it will get better.

Check the local paper for owners directly renting houses, you can usually get by with a month-to-month lease with no credit check. Skip the real estate management companies.

And the idea to check with your church is right on spot. You might also want to send out an e-mail at work explaining what you need.

Cast a wide net.

Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :

(((((Jim-Me)))))

good luck!

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Do you have anyone who can co-sign for you?

The only way I was able to rent anything was by having my dad co-sign. I think I might be able to get something without him now.

Guess I'll find out in a few weeks . . .

GOOD LUCK!

Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :

Thanks all, for the advice and well-wishes...

I do have potential co-signers but I received indications that co-signing wouldn't help... however, I did not ask explicitly, so I'm going to try that today...

Also, I do have a few leads in the paper to find private citizens renting homes, and there are a TON of churches around, so I have a few bulletin boards to check [Smile]

. We shall see.

Thanks again!
Jim

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

Yeah, the private citizen thing is one of the better ideas, I think (aside from a co-signer). I know that when I was looking for my apartment, I wasn' in the best financial situation (some saved, enough for security deposit and first month's rent) and was starting a new job. I got rejected by two management groups (much like work, you had to have a history of living in a rental) and on the basis of my credit history (thanks, mom). I found a place in the paper from a private citizen who is now my landlord. He's already finished paying off the mortgage for this place (it's just a converted city house with three one bedroom apartments and his hair salon) and wants tenants. He also wants tenants that he's helping out. His rent is low for this area (average of $800/month for a one-bedroom or studio, I pay $600, soon to be $650 in September, first rental raise ever, but utility prices have gone up and heat/hot water are included). He likes to help young people who are starting out, or people that are stuck in situations that suck and need a leg up.

I hope you can find a landlord like him.