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morimakesfanart · 1 year

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Is your house big enough for 10 people 🫠 I can feel myself melting away thinking about the problems you will face 😮‍💨 but having anime people in your house how cool is that 😎

We can make it work. Due to financial and legal reason, my sibling and I have been unable to move out of our parents' home. Here's a preview from what I have written so far that explains how all of them will fit:

When I was 4 1/2 years old, we had to move because my mom's job changed locations. At that same time she was pregnant with my younger sibling, so we also moved into a bigger home. My parents were sold a house they couldn't afford the upkeep on, but they wouldn't understand that for several years. And because of the crashing housing bubble, job markets, and person taste, my parents out right denied the idea of selling the house to get a smaller place we could actually properly take care of. Our roof has poorly patch, holes, and our siding is rotting -to name some of the growing problems. However, it did have a few more rooms than the average house. Both of my parents were hoarders and 7 years after my mom's death, we were still clearing out her things, and fighting my father from adding to the problem. Luckily, in the past few years we had managed to mostly clear out the 2 rooms that had once been a dining room(now "the back room"), and home office (now "the den"). It would be cramped, but we would be able to fit all 9 of them. Both the living room and the den each have a sofa with a pullout queen mattress, and since my dad was a literal hoarder that wouldn't let us throw things out, we have another old queen mattress in our basement, and a king mattress blocking the coat closet. The two old mattresses could be laid on the floor in the back room next to the den. All 4 of those would be enough to fit 9 people ....even with Hina being a giant. I decided to leave the end decisions for who would sleep where to our guests. If they could run a country, they could figure out who was going to sleep where on their own.

Since I was little, my parents pulled out of their pensions and 401Ks multiple times to keep us afloat, so we wouldn't have to move :( We've only been surviving since my mom died, because of me working, and my mom leaving a bunch in savings that my dad uses to pay utilities and most of the food bill. My dad can't work, so I have been the one paying the mortgage, insurance, and taxes for the house too. There are still a few more years left before it will be payed off. Since the house is falling apart it's an eyesore, so we are being charged higher taxes then our neighbors. (This is a common tactic to kick out "problem" families instead of helping them.) Once the house is paid off, I can start putting money aside to be able to try fixing the house, and hopefully get our taxes lowered.

In the fanfic, I plan to have Sin and the Generals work enough to help us, so it won't focus on our struggles. I am planning on having one chapter as set up, and then any other requests for things to happen in the reverse isekai AU will be chapters after that. :D

Me and my younger sibling, Lyly, have discussed reverse isekai for a ton of series before, so we already have some plans for how it could work, and what we would do. Since I started working on this in June of '22, I have talked to my family about what we would do, and how we might make it work. The excerpt I put above is something I talked to them about earlier today, actually XD We talked for over an hour about the different characters and how they might be able to help us too. My whole household knows Magi because I live here and they can't get me to shut up about it XD They've both seen the full anime for Magi and Adventures; Lyly has read a bit of both manga but didn't finish. Everyone in this house agrees that Ja'far is a lot like Lyly, so my dad said he'd be comfortable with Ja'far helping him with paperwork stuff. He also wants to know more about Hina after learning that he's also a widower and over 50 y/o. So it's going to be fun writing how all of them help us get out of the red :3

For all the people that have dm'd me asking if Lyly will ever isekai into Sindria's Prophet after reading my diary comic, "Mori the Webcomic," the answer is: probably not because I don't want to ever misrepresent them. I will write some one shots where it happens for fun, and they will be in this reverse iskekai AU. Lyly is taking a semi active roll with the writing for any chapter that they appear in.

#mori answered #reverse isekai au #Adventures of Simpbad

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the-haunted-office · 10 months

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Slewfoot by Brom

Connecticut, 1666: An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector. The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil. To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help. Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake. This terrifying tale of bewitchery features more than two dozen of Brom’s haunting full-color paintings and brilliant endpapers, fully immersing readers in this wild and unforgiving world.

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family. What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare—one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder. Writing to her lawyer from prison, she struggles to explain the events that led to her incarceration. It wasn’t just the constant surveillance from the home’s cameras, or the malfunctioning technology that woke the household with booming music, or turned the lights off at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just the girls, who turned out to be a far cry from the immaculately behaved model children she met at her interview. It wasn’t even the way she was left alone for weeks at a time, with no adults around apart from the enigmatic handyman. It was everything. She knows she’s made mistakes. She admits that she lied to obtain the post, and that her behavior toward the children wasn’t always ideal. She’s not innocent, by any means. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty—at least not of murder—but somebody is.

Man, Fuck This House by Brian Asma

Sabrina Haskins and her family have just moved into their dream home, a gorgeous Craftsman in the rapidly-growing Southwestern city of Jackson Hill. Sabrina’s a bored and disillusioned homemaker, Hal a reverse mortgage salesman with a penchant for ill-timed sports analogies. Their two children, Damien and Michaela, are bright and precocious. At first glance, the house is perfect. But things aren’t what they seem. Sabrina’s hearing odd noises, seeing strange visions. Their neighbors are odd or absent. And Sabrina’s already-fraught relationship with her son is about to be tested in a way no parent could ever imagine. Because while the Haskins family might be the newest owners of 4596 James Circle, they’re far from its only residents…

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

When Louise finds out her parents have died, she dreads going home. She doesn’t want to leave her daughter with her ex and fly to Charleston. She doesn’t want to deal with her family home, stuffed to the rafters with the remnants of her father’s academic career and her mother’s lifelong obsession with puppets and dolls. She doesn’t want to learn how to live without the two people who knew and loved her best in the world. Most of all, she doesn’t want to deal with her brother, Mark, who never left their hometown, gets fired from one job after another, and resents her success. Unfortunately, she’ll need his help to get the house ready for sale because it’ll take more than some new paint on the walls and clearing out a lifetime of memories to get this place on the market. But some houses don’t want to be sold, and their home has other plans for both of them…

Books of Blood, Vol. 1 by Clive Barker

In this tour de force collection of brilliantly disturbing tales, Clive Barker combines the extraordinary with the ordinary, bringing to life our darkest nightmares with stories that both seduce and devour. As beautiful as they are terrible, the pages of this volume are stained with unsettling imagery, macabre humor, and visceral dread. Here then are the stories written on the Book of Blood. Read, if it pleases you, and learn....

#reading for days #polls

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timelessbibliophile · 2 years

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"relationships require stability and ricky can't provide that" wdym stability? not even asking this to seem confrontational but the word choice and phrasing makes it seem like he's gotta pay mortgage and feed kids when they're only high schoolers lol

also i truly don't see how rina as a relationship would mean character regression for ricky. his most notable character flaw is his fear of change which is feel like the writers represented through nini and their relationship, hence why he was so adamant to hold onto it even when it was clear it'd run its course. on the other hand I feel like gina represents the opposite, which was evident in their scenes in 1x06. Obviously I know every viewer will interpret scenes and dynamics differently, so I'd love to hear why you think their relationship would been reversing his character growth, in more detail :)

Wait you're right lmaoo, I didn't realize it could be interpreted that way, so let me explain.

When i say relationships require"stability", i don't mean economic stability, i mean emotional. Of course, you shouldn't become your partner's therapist because that's not how relationships work, but you should be able to be there for the other person when they need you. They shouls be able to trust that there's always going to be someone there for them no matter the circumstances. Sometimes, mentally ill people can't do that. People with anxiety (such as myself), for example, can tend to be overthinkers and act on that overthinking without asking thier partner first. People with trust issues might immediately assume the worst of their partner after seeing something out of context. Hyper-independent people tend to not talk to their partners about their issues and shut off becuase "they can manage their own problems". These are all things that can affect a relationship's emotional stability; I'm not saying Ricky will act like this if he's in a relationship, but we've already seen how his issues can affect his relationships. I'd like to emphasize that I don't blame him for it, in fact i empathize and understand him, but i think he's not in a good place to be in a relationship at the moment.

You talk about Ricky's flaw being that he has a hard time with things changing, and Nini being the way the writers portray that. I agree, but I'd say his relationship represents that, which is a fair distinction. What I make out, is that Ricky has been with Nini for all his life. The representation of them together is what never changed. But then that changed, or stsrted changing, and he was upset about it. I can definitely see your pov when you say Gina represents a good change in Ricky's life, and I can agree to a certain point. You see, for me, Ricky's way of good change is staying single. Understanding how singleness can help his mental health, learning to be single before he can be with anyone else.

I would love if they stayed close friends tho. I think that would also be a good change for Ricky. Having a close friend from the opposite sex without any romantic intent. Just being platonic friends. Especially because circumstances have changed since 1x06. Gina is now with EJ, so unless that goes sideways, Gina is only going to be Ricky's platonic close friend.

#thanks for this ask!#i love seeing different perspectives #ricky bowen #hsmtmts

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akorah · 1 year

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Ok but, what WOULD you do if you had 200BN dollars?

So I've been thinking about a lot this over the last two weeks. Initially, I wanted to come back with a spreadsheet that detailed every penny. The longer I let it sit, the more issues I remember.

I would love to fix the world, but even with all of the money in the world, one person can't do everything.

Obviously, I would take care of my friends and family first--pay off mortgages, student loans, etc. I'm not talking about buying new homes or Lamborghinis or anything, just getting everyone comfortable where they currently are.

I'd love to single-handedly dismantle capitalism, but that's not realistic. I would take about 10% of the money ($20B) to put toward my own specific interests--indigenous issues, water issues, homelessness, etc--which would include a significant amount of lobbying. Like it or hate it, lobbying moves mountains in US politics.

Where I live, we have a ton of empty strip malls that I'd like to rezone from commercial to residential and retrofit into apartments. They would go to low-income or no-income households, but without an income cap so no one's worrying about getting kicked out because they're above the income threshold. Housing is a right, not a privilege. Dignity is a right, not a privilege.

The ex-Christian in me wants to reverse-colonize the suburbs. I learned religion at the knee of teaching pastors and missionaries. Instead of introducing Jesus to villages in Africa, I want to introduce critical thinking to planned subdivisions. Get banned books in the hands of the children whose parents had them pulled. Explain what a land acknowledgment and colonization are.

The rest of the money ($180B) would go to scholarships and grants for meticulously verified nonprofits. I know there are bad actors, but most are good. There are amazing people running life-changing projects I can't even imagine.

I know I'm forgetting things, but this is the absolute most basic. If you ask me this question again two years from now, my answer may be different. My answer six years ago certainly would have been.

Your turn. How would you spend $200B?

#social discourse #asked and answered #good life shit #fuck bezos musk and zuckerberg with a saguaro cactus

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goodadvicemortage · 1 month

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Unlocking Financial Freedom: A Comprehensive Guide To Reverse Mortgages

Introduction

Understanding Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage is a financial instrument designed to help seniors tap into the equity they’ve built in their homes over the years. Unlike traditional mortgages, where homeowners make monthly payments to the lender, a reverse mortgage works the opposite way. Instead of paying the lender, the lender pays the homeowner.

There are three main types of reverse mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), proprietary reverse mortgages, and single-purpose reverse mortgages. HECMs, insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are the most common and offer various payment options, including a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit.

Benefits Of Reverse Mortgages

Supplemental Income: One of the primary advantages of reverse mortgages is converting home equity into cash, providing seniors with a reliable income stream. This can be crucial for those facing financial challenges in retirement.

Stay in Your Home: Seniors can continue to live in their homes without worrying about mortgage payments. As long as they maintain the property, pay property taxes, and homeowners insurance, they can reside in their homes for as long as they wish.

Flexible Payment Options: Reverse mortgages offer flexibility in how homeowners receive their funds. Whether through a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit, individuals can choose the option that best fits their financial needs.

The Mistakes People Make Getting A Reverse Mortgage

While reverse mortgages can be a valuable financial tool, there are common mistakes that individuals often make when considering this option.

Not Fully Understanding the Terms: Some homeowners rush into reverse mortgages without fully grasping the terms and conditions. It’s crucial to carefully review the details, including interest rates, fees, and repayment options, to make an informed decision.

Underestimating Costs: Homeowners may overlook the costs of a reverse mortgage, such as closing costs and servicing fees. These expenses can impact the overall financial benefits of the loan.

Ignoring the Impact on Heirs: Reverse mortgages can affect the inheritance left for heirs. It’s essential to consider the implications on the estate and communicate openly with family members about the decision.

How To Find The Best Reverse Mortgage Broker

Choosing the right mortgage broker is critical in ensuring a positive experience with this financial product. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a reverse mortgage broker:

Experience and Reputation: Look for a broker with extensive experience in the reverse mortgage industry. Research their reputation by reading client testimonials and reviews. A broker with a proven track record is more likely to provide reliable guidance.

Certifications and Licensing: Ensure the broker is licensed and certified to offer reverse mortgage services in your state. This guarantees that they adhere to industry regulations and ethical standards.

Transparent Communication: A trustworthy broker should communicate openly about all aspects of the reverse mortgage process. They should explain the terms, costs, and potential risks to help clients make well-informed decisions.

Personalized Guidance: Each individual’s financial situation is unique. An excellent reverse mortgage broker takes the time to understand the client’s needs and tailors their guidance accordingly. They should offer personalized solutions that align with the client’s goals.

Competitive Rates: Compare interest rates and fees from different brokers to ensure you’re getting a competitive deal. While cost shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision, it’s essential to understand the financial implications of the loan.

Why Choose James Smythe As Your Trusted Partner

In reverse mortgages, James Smythe stands out as a trusted and reliable partner for seniors seeking financial solutions. Here’s why choosing James Smythe can make a significant difference:

Expertise and Experience: With over two decades of experience in the financial industry, James Smythe brings a wealth of knowledge. His expertise in reverse mortgages ensures clients receive top-notch guidance throughout the process.

Client-Centric Approach: James Smythe prioritizes the well-being of his clients. His client-centric approach involves understanding each individual’s unique circumstances and crafting tailored solutions that meet their needs and goals.

Transparent and Honest Communication: Transparency is a cornerstone of James Smythe’s service. He believes in open and honest communication, ensuring clients clearly understand reverse mortgages’ terms, costs, and potential outcomes.

Proven Track Record: James Smythe’s track record speaks for itself. Numerous satisfied clients attest to his professionalism, reliability, and commitment to helping seniors achieve financial freedom through reverse mortgages.

Continued Support: James Smythe remains a dedicated client partner beyond securing a reverse mortgage. He provides ongoing support, addressing any concerns or questions that may arise throughout the life of the loan.

Choosing The Right Mortgage Broker — James Smythe Experts Mortgage Broker

Selecting the right mortgage broker is crucial in navigating the world of private mortgages. James Smythe, an esteemed expert mortgage broker, has gained recognition for his expertise in private mortgage solutions. Here are vital considerations when choosing a mortgage broker and why James Smythe stands out:

Expertise: A proficient mortgage broker should have in-depth knowledge of the private mortgage market, regulations, and trends. James Smythe’s extensive experience and continuous education in the industry make him a reliable choice for those seeking expert advice.

Network of Lenders: A well-connected mortgage broker like James Smythe has established relationships with a wide array of private lenders, increasing the chances of finding the most suitable financing solution for the borrower.

Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in navigating the complexities of private mortgages. James Smythe’s reputation for clear and transparent communication ensures that clients are well-informed.

Tailored Solutions: Every borrower has unique financial circumstances and goals. A skilled mortgage broker understands the importance of crafting personalized solutions. James Smythe’s ability to tailor his approach to individual needs sets him apart in the industry.

Conclusion:-

Reverse mortgages have become a valuable financial tool for seniors looking to unlock the equity in their homes and secure a reliable income stream in retirement. Understanding the benefits, avoiding common mistakes, and choosing the right reverse mortgage broker are crucial steps in maximizing the advantages of this financial product. James Smythe’s commitment to expertise, transparent communication, and client-centric service positions him as a trusted partner for seniors embarking on their reverse mortgage journey. By making informed decisions and partnering with reputable professionals, individuals can confidently navigate the world of reverse mortgages and enjoy the financial freedom they deserve in their golden years.

#mortgage agent #first-time home buyer #mortgage broker #private mortgage #good advice #mortgage service #commercial mortgage #jamessmythe #JamesSmytheMortgageBroker #reversemortgage #reversemortgagemississauga

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reversemortgageu · 2 months

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Reverse Mortgage Explained

Unlocking Financial Independence: A Comprehensive Overview of Reverse Mortgages

As we progress through life, our homes take on a deeper significance beyond mere bricks and mortar; they embody our life's journey, serving as repositories of cherished memories and hard-earned accomplishments. For individuals aged 62 and older, these homes offer a unique avenue towards financial freedom through a financial tool known as a reverse mortgage.

Understanding Reverse Mortgages: Empowering Financial Flexibility

Reverse mortgages, also termed home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs), empower senior homeowners to tap into the equity accumulated in their homes, transforming it into a valuable financial resource. Unlike conventional mortgages, where homeowners make monthly payments to the lender, reverse mortgages enable homeowners to receive payments from the lender in various forms, including a lump sum, a line of credit, or regular monthly disbursements.

One of the most appealing aspects of a reverse mortgage is the deferral of repayment until the homeowner passes away, sells the home, or permanently vacates the property. During this period, homeowners retain ownership of their homes and can continue residing in them without the burden of monthly mortgage payments. However, it's crucial to note that homeowners remain responsible for homeowner's insurance and property taxes to uphold the loan.

Navigating the Landscape: Types and Considerations

Reverse mortgages come in different forms, each with its own set of features and associated costs:

Single Purpose Reverse Mortgages: Offered by state and local governments, these tend to be the most cost-effective option. However, they may come with restrictions on how the funds can be utilized.

Federally Insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs): Backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), HECMs are generally less expensive than proprietary reverse mortgages offered by private lenders. They offer greater flexibility while potentially incurring higher initial expenses.

Proprietary Reverse Mortgages: Provided by private lenders, these may offer unique features but can be more expensive compared to other options.

When considering a reverse mortgage, it's essential to seek guidance from qualified financial advisors who can help navigate the complexities of the available options. Additionally, borrowers should carefully weigh the benefits and costs associated with each type of reverse mortgage to ensure alignment with their financial goals and circumstances.

The Path Forward: Eligibility and Application

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Ownership of the home in question

Attainment of age 62 or older

Absence of existing mortgages or liens against the property

Upon confirming eligibility, applicants must undergo counseling to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the terms and implications of the reverse mortgage.

In Conclusion

A reverse mortgage serves as a powerful tool for seniors seeking to unlock the value of their homes and achieve financial stability in retirement. However, it requires careful consideration of complexities and nuances. By arming themselves with knowledge and seeking guidance from trusted advisors, seniors can confidently explore whether a reverse mortgage is the right financial solution for their needs.

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meadowbrookusa · 6 months

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#financing your home purchase #best home mortgage rates #home purchase mortgage

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luminousvision · 8 months

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The Queen

I stood in front of the high school, waiting to go home. My younger brother Shawn sat farther down the curb, talking to his friends. Mom and dad dropped us off this morning before heading to the airport, saying Auntie Li would take care of us for the week. They disappeared on these mysterious vacations several times a year. Shawn and I had long since stopped asking where they went because they’d never tell us. They never took pictures or brought anything back that would let us into their secret. We need a few mom-and-dad things, they said.

Auntie Li never hid anything. Even when we were little, she told us Uncle died from colon cancer. If you feel something, say something, she said. Auntie Li lived in a small apartment with mismatched furniture where she explained medical bills and college tuition cost a lot. Money is for the important things. I later asked my parents about it, but they said I was being rude.

I saw Auntie Li’s ancient Honda idling in line. I grabbed Shawn, pointed to the car, and waved to Auntie Li, who smiled excitedly and waved back. The passenger seat was occupied by a large plastic filing box and a stack of papers on top of it, so we piled into the back seats. Her car didn’t have automatic windows and smelled like decade-old shampoo.

“Thanks for picking us up, Auntie Li,” Shawn said.

“You should ask our parents for the keys to the Audi,” I offered. “If they give you the house, they might as well give you the car.”

“It’s so good to see you both again,” Auntie Li said. “And I don’t need another car—this one gets us around just fine. Anyway, how was your day at school?”

“Oh yeah, you won’t believe what Marcie gave me today!” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a glistening crystal the size of my thumbnail. “Can you believe this is a diamond?”

Auntie Li squinted into the rear-view mirror. “Are you sure that’s a diamond?”

“I don’t believe that. That has to be fake,” Shawn said, as he reached over. I let him take it.

“Marcie says she can give it to me because it’s not worth anything. Her dad makes artificial diamonds. Apparently sometimes they grow defective high-pressure centers that will eventually cause it to shatter like glass. Jewelers can see right through it so you can’t trick them.”

“How long will it stay together?” Shawn asked, squinting at it with one eye.

“Marcie said it could be weeks or even years. Nobody can tell. But it eventually breaks.”

“Imagine if someone proposed with to you with a diamond ring like that,” Auntie said.

“That’d be a ticking time bomb for our marriage,” I said. We all laughed. I took the diamond back from Shawn and put it one of the small pockets in my backpack and zipped it shut.

“So, who is our guest here?” Shawn asked. Even though he sat right behind the passenger seat, he could see the papers piled as tall as a whole person. It must have been quite the resilient stack of papers to not fall over.

“Sorry about the mess. This is all of dad’s papers. He left a lot of knots behind, which have kept me busy over the last two months.” Auntie sighed. “Well, he stays with us just a little bit longer, I guess.”

“What kind of knots?” I asked.

“Legal, financial—debts mostly. It can get really complicated when you don’t actually own your stuff. He still had a loan on the car and the house. I didn’t know how messy it was until I inherited the papers.”

“He lived in that house forever. How did he not pay off the loan?”

“Ever heard of a reverse mortgage? You sell a part of your house back to the bank. I told him not to, but I guess he did it anyway.”

Even until just a few years ago, we’d join grandpa on week-long cruises in the Caribbean and fly to the Rockies where he had a timeshare and would watch Shawn and me snowboard. I had never thought twice about it. I started to fidget, flicking my fingers.

Auntie Li seemed to read my mind. “Don’t worry about it. Once it’s all settled, there will probably be a bit left over for me and your mom.”

Shawn was busy playing a game on his phone.

When we arrived home, I went upstairs to my room. I locked my door and kneeled in front of my treasure chest, a wooden crate the size of a mini-fridge. I unlatched the chest with a satisfying click and lifted the heavy sanded round cover. On top were books, scarves, socks, bracelets and pens: an innocent facade. Underneath there were two wooden notches. I pressed them and slid them in opposite directions. This allowed me to lift out the main basket, revealing a small cardboard box against the bottom of the chest. I opened it.

I extracted the diamond from my backpack and added it to my box, next to an emerald necklace my grandmother let me borrow and a gold ring I found under the table of a nice restaurant. My prized possessions sparkled with warmth in the sunlight. A queen, I was, rich beyond my parents’ imagination. I shut the small box, placed it back at the bottom of the crate, and replaced the main basket. Shifting the hidden wooden panels back into their original spot, I latched the lid shut.

My English homework awaited. I pulled out The Great Gatsby and skimmed the questions I had to answer. But if that diamond somehow, magically, kept itself together long enough, I wouldn’t need to do homework at all. I’d be as rich as Gatsby, maybe richer. There’d be elegant tapestries hanging from the tall ceilings of my great mansion hall, filled with people whispering about the Great Queen Nicole: an intellectual, or world traveler, maybe even a famous writer. The Great Queen Nicole would roam the halls, introducing herself as Marilyn or Florence: anonymous, elegant, and respected.

“Dinner!” Auntie Li’s voice came up the stairs, waking me up.

I had barely read two pages, but the rest would have to wait. I opened my door to the delicious aroma of stewed tomatoes. In the kitchen, Shawn and Auntie Li were already sitting down around our cast iron pot.

“Smells amazing, Auntie Li, what is it?”

“Cioppino.”

We took turns serving ourselves from the pot swimming with fish, crab, clams, mussels, and scallops.

“Where did you get all of this seafood, Auntie Li?” I asked. “We never get this nice stuff.”

“I bought some crab for us today, but I found the rest of it deep in the back of the freezer.”

We didn’t own any utensils to crack through the crab, so we used our teeth. The fleshy bits of meat were soft and chewy. Shawn attacked a closed clam.

“If a clam isn’t open, you shouldn’t eat it,” I said.

“But they’re so yummy. I don’t want to miss any.”

“It means they weren’t cleaned. There could be something inside that kills you.”

“I don’t believe that.”

He managed to force the clam open with the strained twist of his spoon.

“Aww, this one doesn’t have anything in it either.”

The clams in my bowl were not any different. “Doesn’t surprise me. They always shop at grocery outlet. I guess we get what we pay for.”

“Aii, they should feed you good food,” Auntie Li said.

“You’re feeding us great food, Auntie!” Shawn said.

She laughed. “I’m glad you like it.”

We ate slowly, especially since Shawn was trying to open all the clams. Auntie Li tried to boil them some more to no avail. By the time we were full, the sun had set and it was dark outside.

“Now, you two, listen carefully. Your parents asked me to tell you this.” Auntie Li paused. “We’re moving. It’s not far—just across town.”

“What, why?” Shawn asked.

“What’s wrong here?” I added.

“Your parents are selling this house,” Auntie Li said, her face falling into the shadow as she looked down at her bowl. “You should ask them when they get back.”

Shawn and I looked at each other. We had lived here for eleven years. This was our home.

“They’re selling this house just like that? They didn’t even ask us,” Shawn said.

“I’m sorry. I know it’s sudden.” She paused. “Here, how about we go visit after dinner. I have the keys so we can take a look around.”

“Is it a nice house?” Shawn asked.

“Yes, it’s very nice,” Auntie Li replied. Seeing the growing excitement on our faces, she added: “I don’t think you’ll find it nicer than this one. You can see for yourselves.”

Shawn and I fell silent. We helped Auntie Li clean up the dishes and put the rest of the cioppino in the refrigerator. I gathered the remnants of seafood to throw away. The clams looked lonely and sad with their empty shells.

We began our journey in the Honda. I waved good-bye to our house. Nobody spoke during the drive.

“Well, this is it,” Auntie Li announced at our destination. This other house sat between two weak streetlights, one of which flickered.

I climbed out to get a better look. The house was much smaller than ours. It had only one story and the garage could only fit one car. Overgrown weeds grew in the seams of cracked dirt in the front yard. Auntie Li was already unlocking the front door. She walked in and turned on the lights. We followed.

The smell of musty carpet overwhelmed me. The kitchen looked renovated, but there wasn’t enough space to open the oven and the refrigerator at the same time. The low ceilings felt oppressive even though none of us were tall enough for it to matter. We could only locate two bedrooms.

“Where do you sleep?” Shawn’s voice came from around the corner.

“Auntie Li, are you sure this is the right house?” The question sounded silly when I said it.

“These are the keys,” she said.

“This place sucks,” Shawn declared, joining us in the living room. “Why would we move here?”

I answered first. “We’ll ask mom and dad when they get back.”

As we departed, I looked at the sign planted in the front yard. “For Rent”, it said in bold letters. Shawn was silent during the drive. He wasn’t even on his phone.

“Auntie Li,” I began, my voice hard, “where are our parents right now?”

“I don’t know. They didn’t tell me where they were going.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“Why not?”

I didn’t say anything.

“Oh sweetie, I know it’s hard, but why would I hide anything from you? You know I don’t keep secrets.”

The strafing beams from the passing streetlights illuminated the stack of papers sitting in the passenger seat. It looked like a person, partially visible and ominously mysterious. I fidgeted in my seat.

We pulled into the driveway next to our Audi. I bolted into the kitchen to open the drawer where we keep our keys. The keys to the Audi were still there. I slammed the drawer shut.

I unpacked my treasure box, grabbed my diamond and ran back to the tile floors in the kitchen. The tiles were cold. I scraped the floor with my diamond, but the tile did not scratch. Instead, this rock in my hand now had an unsightly abrasion.

I fled back to my room, running so Auntie Li couldn’t see my face. This chest was still open. Lying in bed, I faced the wall and away from the rest of this house.

The Great Queen Nicole joined the party unnoticed, entering the main hall of her mansion through a side door. She wore a majestic blue gown, an emerald necklace, and a gold ring. More than a hundred elegant figures had gathered, chatting in groups, holding wine glasses and small desserts. She hid in plain sight at her own party.

A handsome man walked up to her, got down on one knee, and asked for her hand in marriage. Thinking she had misheard, she stepped closer. The man held out a diamond ring. It was Marcie’s. When Nicole recoiled, he smiled, triumphant. We’ve finally found her, he announced to the hall: this is the Great Queen Nicole!

She looked around in horror. He started laughing. Everyone else was laughing too. The jewelry shattered in a flash of crystalline dust. The elegant tapestries crumpled into the floor and the walls of the great hall collapsed, leaving her under the open sky. She was alone and the night was dark.

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my-state-mls · 11 months

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The Current Housing Crisis Is Crushing Some More Than Others

Even as the housing market slows due to rising interest rates on mortgages, only half as many homes are being put up for sale as before.

The lack of supply is hurting some buyers more severely than others.

At its most desirable rate during May, buyers seeking 30-year fixed mortgage rates of high 6% could afford homes estimated to cost $341,000 with annual salaries of $100,000 - slightly above America's median annual wage - according to an investigation released Thursday, the 16th of May from Realtor.com in collaboration with the National Association of Realtors. Yet only 39% of houses were advertised with prices matching or lower than their estimated prices this month, as reported in a separate study released Thursday, the 16th of May, from both organizations.

Markets characterized by balanced demand and supply can offer homes at affordable rates for buyers earning $100,000 annually; 64% are affordable to residents living there, with only 285,000 listings currently available.

Over the past five years, income earners could purchase two-thirds of available homes when mortgage rates and home prices were much more reasonable.

Due to an acute shortage of affordable homes on the real estate market, competition on it exploded this year - which reversed any reduction in home prices that began last summer.

"There's an amazing parallel between Las Vegas and Phoenix where homes under $500,000 are selling quickly; for those under $350k-400k, we are seeing several offers," explained Noah Herrera of Las Vegas at an open house event held mid-May. However, once houses surpass $500,000, the sales process slows considerably.

As prices climb, too many houses are listed for sale relative to how many Americans can afford these properties. Each listing for homes over $680,000 results in twice more available houses for less than $341,000.

"Stated Realtor.com's head of economics Danielle Hale: High housing costs and limited home availability continue to present budget challenges for prospective homebuyers, likely keeping some out of the rental market or delaying the purchase until conditions improve," and may keep some from purchasing until conditions improve.

Home prices have become prohibitively expensive for buyers, leading to more people moving into new properties - ironically, those which were previously more costly to own. Builders offer incentives like upgrade options or short-term mortgage rate reductions; however, over time, these have decreased as demand continues to outweigh supply, and builder price power has grown accordingly.

Location is of the utmost importance in real estate. Areas, where an affordable home shortage exists include El Paso, Texas; Boise and Spokane in Idaho; various Florida markets and, particularly, Riverside/Los Angeles in California, which has some of the highest-priced housing markets in America.

Midwest regions remain home to the highest concentration of affordable houses. Ohio remains home to the greatest supply of such housing options, followed by Syracuse, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and St Louis, Missouri.

Redfin reports that supply is continuing to dwindle as new listings for homes available for sale during June's first week fell 25% year-on-year, reaching its lowest ever point ever recorded since early records started being kept for this month began being kept.

Due to a shortage of homes for sale, the number available for purchase has fallen five percent compared to last year.

#real estate #realestatenews #realestate

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stopforeclosuresavefamilies · 1 year

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Reverse Foreclosure Stop Foreclosure! Saving Homes

Reverse Foreclosure is an innovative process that can help save your home from foreclosure. It's a great option for those who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes.

With Reverse Foreclosure, homeowners have the chance to get back on track with their mortgage payments and keep their home.

Causes Of Foreclosure

Foreclosure can happen for many different reasons. People may be faced with an unexpected job loss or medical emergency, which might make it hard to keep up with mortgage payments. Other times, people don't have enough money saved up to pay their mortgage when interest rates increase. It's also possible that people have taken out a loan that they can't afford in the long run.

Some lenders like https://www.connectedhomeowners.com/ will work with homeowners to try and figure out a way for them to stay in their homes, but this isn't always the case. When lenders aren't willing to negotiate, foreclosure becomes the only option.

I've heard stories of some people who were unable to get help from their lender and had no choice but to go through foreclosure proceedings. This can be incredibly stressful and heartbreaking, especially when they've worked so hard to build equity in their home.

Strategies To Avoid Foreclosure

Foreclosure can be a scary thing and it's important to know what you can do to avoid it. There are many strategies that people can use to save their home from foreclosure.

One of the first things you should do is contact your lender and explain your financial situation. Ask them for help by creating a payment plan or loan modification that works for both parties. Having good communication with your lender is key!

The next step is to talk with a housing counselor. This person can offer advice on how to manage debt, navigate the foreclosure process, and connect you with resources to help make payments.

Other helpful strategies could include taking out a second mortgage, selling assets, or refinancing the loan.

No matter what strategy you choose, it's important to take action as soon as possible so that you can get back on track and save your home from foreclosure. Time is of the essence when it comes to avoiding this difficult situation and having an experienced professional on your side will be invaluable in helping you reach success.

Strategies To Reverse Foreclosure

The previous section discussed strategies to avoid foreclosure. Now, let's look at how to reverse it.

One of the best strategies to reverse a foreclosure is to contact your mortgage company or lender. They may be able to negotiate with you, and come up with a plan that works for both of you. It's important to try and get something in writing, so you know what their offer is and what the terms are.

Another way to avoid losing your home is to seek help from a housing counselor or financial advisor. They can help you create a budget and provide advice on how best to manage your finances. They will also be able to identify any assistance programs that may be available in your area that can help you out. I've personally had success working with them when dealing with my own financial situation.

It's important not to give up hope if you're facing foreclosure - there are many resources available that can provide assistance and guidance through this difficult time. Take the time and effort necessary to understand what options are out there and find the ones that work for you.

With some hard work and dedication, it is possible to save your home from foreclosure!

Impact On Credit Score

When a homeowner is able to stop foreclosure, their credit score can be greatly improved. There are a lot of great benefits to doing this as quickly as possible.

For instance, it means that the homeowner will be able to keep their home and avoid having to start over in a new place. It also means that the homeowner's credit score could get back on track in no time.

Reversing the foreclosure process can help a person improve their financial situation in many ways. They may be able to get better loan terms, lower interest rates, or even qualify for certain government programs that can help them stay afloat financially.

Additionally, they may be eligible for additional resources like grants or tax credits which may aid them in repairing their credit and staying out of foreclosure in the future. This process can provide relief and peace of mind for those who are struggling with debt or mortgage payments.

It can also give homeowners an opportunity to rebuild their credit and start fresh with a better financial future.

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