Hit with devastating news.....

[Former_Member]

I know this is for Etsy success, but my family and I were just hit with devastating news, and I don't know where to turn to. I don't even know what to do.

We just moved into a new house, signed a lease, and we got hit with the news out of the blue that the house is being foreclosed on. We have two weeks to move out, we have no where to go - no relatives, no friends outside the house, all our jobs are online, my sister and i start college again in two weeks.

No one has any idea what we've been through in the past six months. i don't even know what's going on right now. We just moved from a place where our landlord was taking my mom for every penny she was worth, evicted us, we had to move...and now this...

this is unbelievable - i don't know how people who do this to their renters sleep at night

[TOMgirlApparel]

I am so sorry. You have to just keep telling yourself that this is happening for a reason and you just were not meant to live there. You will be okay, you will make it work, you are going to be alright. It will be exciting to see what is in store for you next! Hang in there :)

[cushncovers]

OUCH! I don't know what to tell you. Call the city attorney's office and see what your rights are. I don't believe anyone can be kicked out in just two weeks. That doesn't sound right, even if the house is being foreclosed on. They will know what you can do.

In the meantime you may want to put your Etsy shop on vacation mode because too much stress may cause you to make mistakes or just managing it may add more chaos and havoc to your life.

[RedOakImages]

Katy, I'm so sorry. Keep your head up. Sending you prayers that there will be a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Please let us know how things are going.

[Former_Member]

Oh my goodness... how terrible! This is happening for a reason, but it's REALLY hard to see that at the time something bad is going on.

I live in a small town, and around here, the best way to find a reputable landlord would be to ask the locals. I would suggest looking for a place where the "locals" hang out, and ask around for places to rent. Perhaps the local hardware, grocery store, or even little cafe where the "old guys" hang out in the morning for coffee.

Praying for you and your family!

[QuirkyUniverse]

About 6 months ago I found myself in a dire situation where I was going to have to live in my car and give up my dog. I posted on Craigslist basically begging for a break and my current landlord sent me a reply. He let me keep my dog and offered me a rate I could afford. I moved in the next day and am still happily living here.

I know it may sound weird but it worked out really well. I wasn't asking for a handout just for a place a could afford where I could keep my dog. There are some decent people out there, sometimes you have to be willing to ask for the help.

I hope everything works out for you. I know what it's like not to know if you're going to have a place to sleep at night and it is terrible.

[PICFiberArts]

(((hugs being sent to you))))

[Former_Member]

That's horrible for you but like others have said here these things happen for a reason even though that's hard to see right now. Try to stay positive xx

[Former_Member]

oh, wow! The positive, though, might come from this; it may be possible for your mom to contact the lender and inquire about the pssibility of staying on as a renter inorder to maintain the home (mowing, watering the lawn, etc). Some banks are doing this right now because of the flood of foreclosures. She may even be able to buy the house outright when it's in foreclosure. Particularly in Florida I keep reading about how the next few years is the time to buy and that so many homes are sitting vacant, this might work in your family's favor. The bank may be more flexible, either allowing you to stay on as renters or helping you get into buying this house (or maybe even a different one!).

Your mom definetly needs to contact your state's houseing help line. In my state it's called MSHDA for Michigan State Housing Developement Authority. Florida has HUD and many local programs that apply to different parts of the state. They may be able to help your family locate affordable housing and such. MISHDA has helped me with my home loan and outlined several revenues I could take with my home when I was facing crisis, I imagine that these places could help your family, too.

[MelsMakeBelieve]

First off, I am sending you long distance hugs and good thoughts. Second, as someone else said, I don't believe you can be kicked out with just two weeks notice, even if the house is being foreclosed on. I believe they have to give you more time then that, but definitely go to the city attorney's office, like Cathy said, and find out what your rights are and what options you have.

Sending more warm and good thoughts your way!

[Former_Member]

Almost any other state than Florida, I would say check state landlord lease laws or housing authority. Contact legal aid society. I know Florida has one.

I'm almost certain that there are laws about tenets being evicted due to foreclosure, that banks or whatever lending institution must honor leases or allow a certain amount of time for tenets to leave. Think about it, the lender would be holding property with no money coming in. You can probably research this on the web.

I say almost any other state b/c Florida is the worse place for lack of sufficient consumer protection. I know it's your home and you probably love it there. So I say this respectfully. How do I know? After 2 yrs of getting fleeced by a developer and a lawyer, and writing to every government entity for help regarding a house, I gave up to save my sanity. Maxed out my credit card and used every dime I had to get out of that place. Worse 2 yrs of my life and I'm over 65!

I wish you the best of luck.

[SantasSockCentral]

I'm so sorry to hear this.

My landlord went into receivership last year, but we're still living in the place, but the rent is going to the bank or a collection agency or something. They're happy to have us and have somebody pay some money. They're trying to sell the flat, but nobody seems to be interested.

[BeautifulByCharlene]

Katy,

I am so sorry to hear this but I believe you will end up on your feet. It may take a while but you will always carry with you the knowledge that you have the strength to deal with very difficult circumstances. That foundation will become a benefit to you in later years.

At a time when I had no money, I rented a room at a lady's house. I had a room, use of a bathroom (along with other renters) and one shelf in the fridge. But it was safe and I could afford it. Maybe you can find someone decent who could use a tenant to help keep them afloat for a while.

[Former_Member]

Also, you may want to contact the owner to find out if he/she is trying to restructure the loan for the house. There is a procedure for this that requires the debtor to show he/she is "destitute" and must be behind in payments for 3 months. While the lender works through the restructuring the loan process, that same "silly a---" lender proceeds with foreclosure. This is so crazy. No wonder the housing business is such a mess. This is true here in NC. Been there. Anyway, just check to see if this is what is happening.

Also, check with the sheriffs department that served the papers on the house. They may not be able to give you much info but they may be kind enough to direct you to the appropriate place to get the right info. Surely, this isn't the first time this has happened where they had to serve the papers.

In short, don't be the victim! You did nothing wrong. I also like the idea of putting a notice on Craigslist.

[Former_Member]

hi katy,
so sorry to hear this. i don't understand how landlords can do that to renters, but it happens. as a matter of fact, i work for a foreclosure company in california..sitting at work right now, actually.
who told you that you have to be out in 2 weeks? i have never heard of such a thing. i am always surprised at how much time people are actually given to leave a house when an eviction is served. if you are just renting, i've heard the new owner (usually the bank takes it back) will actually have to allow you to stay with your current lease terms. it all depends if it's a non-judicial foreclosure or not. have you gotten notices to at the property about a sale?

i cannot give you legal advice, but we always tell people they should start asking questions and find out their rights. i'm no expert, but i've been doing this for 3 years.. if you'd like, send me a message and we can talk about the details, maybe i can help clarify a few things for you.

good luck.

[Former_Member]

Hi Katy,

I am glad that you are comfortable enough to share your struggles with the team. I wish you the best as you go through this tough time. My best advice to you is to breathe and breathe deep, full breaths.

I understand your need to vent, but I have to close this thread because it does not meet the guidelines for discussions in the Etsy Success Team:

This team is dedicated to sharing small business advice in a supportive environment. ***Please do not share social medial links, Treasuries, new item listings, calls for entries or submissions in the Etsy Success Forum, unless you are sharing or asking for small business advice. Thank you!

This group as a way for sellers to gather together and support each other's small businesses. There's so much to learn, from the day you first set up your shop to the day you think about quiting your day job! The best thing about selling on Etsy is the support and encouragement from other sellers. Etsy Admin are here to help, too!

I hope that things get better for you.

Best,
Sara