Man in the mirror

Well, what a week. I often thought that when Lucille Ball and George Burns passed, those would be big moments. See, I really saw them as the consummate showmen. As Lori can attest. I loved Michael. O.K., I admit it. I really did. My favorite was song of his was "Man in the Mirror". (I know the link is to a Reggie Miller Highlight Film set to Smooth Criminal - I love that too!) I was even listening to it this week after my workout. I listen to MJ during most of my limited listening time. Unlike Lucy and George, who were a bit "pre-me", Michael did define my generation. Michael was, well, a direct hit at my generation.


Looking back at my (and the world's) admiration of Michael- it bordered somewhat upon that of idol status. I would watch the videos endlessly and know every step (at least I thought) from the thriller to the moonwalk. My faith has taught me to be weary of appointing the idol status. Yet, I don't regret it. My focus was fun and innocent. I mean - come on now - did anyone really think he was "Bad" or simply entertaining.

I got to see Michael in Wrigley field. I still have the ticket stub and pictures, thanks again to Lori! I obviously don't and have not idolized him for quite a while. I still love his message though. "I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. No message can have been any clearer. If you want to make the world a better place better look at yourself and make the change."



So, how does this relate to Real Estate. It is a stretch, I admit. Keep plugging away and do what you love to do. Your HIStory will be etched.



Miss ya Michael.

Hello..is anyone home? HELLO

Imagine being homeless. No, not under a bridge in the stereotypical way. You have just sold your home in a down market. You have held off looking for your next home until yours finally sold. After months of patience you are off on the house hunting trip you've long awaited. You can feel the excitement and your anxiety is somewhat palpable.

There it is- the home you have been eyeing from a distance is finally in site. Nobody lives there, it is just meant to be! Except for one thing, the owner of the home does not care to sell. You can't get in to the home to even see it. Trespassing you walk around the exterior, peering in windows. You notice the power is out and your dream home is slowly being abused by a lack of attention. The basement is getting wet, the grass is growing, the paint is beginning to peel.

This is frustrating to say the least. I have clients that want to buy homes that are sitting empty. See, in Indiana we own homes. Even if you have a mortgage on the property, you own your home. If you don't pay your mortgage payments the bank may have to start foreclosure proceedings followed by the actual foreclosure or sheriffs sale. I have known people who have lived in their home for 12 months without paying a payment and moving out just prior to the sheriffs sale.

Potential buyers cannot buy your home unless you, the homeowner, allow them to see the property and they submit to you an offer to purchase. Many folks going through the foreclosure process feel like the house of cards is falling in all around them. They don't want to face the facts or do anything to save their credit. They feel that there really is nothing they can do to help themselves.

Now, I don't claim to have all the answers. I do feel that if you are facing foreclosure you should do anything you can do to sell your home. Communication is the KEY!!! Talk with potential buyers, enlist an active real estate professional to help. Don't forget that our services are free to you as a seller anyway. You might not be able to save your home but you may be able to save your credit and place yourself in a good position to be able to purchase another home in a year. If you foreclose you won't be able to consider it for about 7 years.