Hi, I used to post on this board as otherterri. I cannot post from that account for some reason. After all the great help I received here, my husband and I were able to build a new home, our first home after 20 years together. I developed heart problems, he lost his job, and so on. Finally, everything was looking up, and my husband fell over dead. I had pulled my credit report to begin working on my credit. I knew all this 2 years ago, but have forgotten it due to lack of memory power and too much yucky and confusing stuff in my head right now. Several medical collections were just placed on my report in March. I only have 3 credit cards that have my name on them. Someone has offered to pay off these bills for me, to improve my credit score. I think I remember that they will stay on there as paid, and still hurt my score, is that correct? Also, I cannot pay for our home now. I am/(was) a housewife. The thought of losing my home is devastating. Does anyone know of any program (actually, a miracle) that would give a mortgage to a widow with 6 kids and a new (gotta get yet) job?? I don't know the exact payoff, but it is over $180,000. Thanks, Terri
did he have life insurance? did you have a death policy on the home loan (where it gets paid if one of you dies)? there are many non-profit organizations and state programs that offer emergency assistance, including mortgage, utility and food assistance. heck, if i had the money - i'd probably help you out! as far as your credit rating - worry about that later - you have far more important things to deal with right now. i'm sorry for your loss and will gladly offer any assistance i can - even if its just to listen.
I second what jenz said. There are programs out there to help you, I'm just not sure where you go to find help. Perhaps the Salvation Army or an organization like that can point you in the right direction. If you belong to a credit union, sometimes they can help point you in the right direction for some of this stuff. Another place you might ask is your husband's employer. Many of them help widows or know where you can go. If your husband had credit cards in his name, and if they were in good standing, you can probably get them transferred to your name by sending a copy of the death certificate. Contact the Customer Service office and see if they can help. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I also wish I could help, but at least I'll try to answer your questions as much as I can.
I too am sorry for the loss of your husband, you have my prayers. I don't know of any foundations or organizations, but I bet if you call a mortgage lender AND your lender and ask them (try several sources until you get what you need) if they know of where you can get help. For now, you might be able to get your mortgage defered so that it won't affect your credit. Also, notify all of the other creditors and see if they have some type of grief deferment on any outstanding balance. I firmly believe it never hurts to ask. Finally, check to see if any of the cards / accounts had insurance on them - disability or death. That might also help you. Best of luck! God Bless Shanyl
Thanks for your replies and especially for your prayers. There isn't any insurance. I guess I forgot to mention that my name is not on the mortgage. When I discovered Creditnet, I only worked on his credit so we could buy our home. I didn't have enough time to work on mine. There is no help from the employer. I notified the credit cards in his name only and don't want them in my name because I don't want to pay them off! I don't need help with everyday bills so much (I am getting social security which helps, but isn't enough).My church is still bringing meals 3-4 times a week and I have had some monetary donations. I am more concerned about trying to find a miracle to save my home. Also, the medical bills on my account - I believe that I always signed a form saying that my husband was the "responsible party" because I was not employed. Is there any way to get them removed from my credit report because of this??? Thanks,
thinkin about this - if you go back to work, you would have child care costs. is there any way for you to become a licensed childcare provider? my last daycare made about $1000 per week and was on a food program. talk to your mortgage lender - see if they would consider a loan to you (maybe someone could co-sign since you don't have income). what state/county/city are you in? i'm sure we can come up with some assistance programs.
I am in Columbus, Ohio. I have the ss income, but it is not enough to support the mortgage even with the work history. Thanks, Terri
How devestating. I'm at a loss for what to say, but want to help in any way possible. Are you absolutely positive that there is no insurance anywhere? Sometimes a credit union will offer a life insurance policy on their members at no cost, or perhaps the mortgage company REQUIRED an insurance policy because he was the only income earner. Does anyone know. Is there a way to check with insurance companies in general to see whether there's an insurance policy? Are you positive that his company had nothing? Have you searched through legal papers? I'd skip paying your bills to save the credit, and ask for help with the mortgage instead. Can the church offer any help at all? Perhaps someone there can help get this miracle? If all else fails -- pray. You and your family are in my prayers. Please keep us updated on any news!
I am so sorry for your loss. You must be a very brave, very strong woman to be facing these challenges with such determination. Your kids are lucky to have you. Regarding the medical collections accounts, here's a great link that goldhummin posted for me earlier. Scroll down the page and look for the HIPPA letter. http://whychat.5u.com/ I don't have any ideas about the mortgage payments but you may want to look into programs that help provide training and financial support for women entering the workforce and/or look for grants for women starting their own businesses if you have something you could do on your own. problem is those programs usually take a little time to get through. It may feel weird to do this, but you might want to contact your local news station, or ask a friend to do that for you. There are lots of people who would offer financial help if they hear about your situation (think of the McCaughy (sp?) septuplets). I can't remember from your post whether youve had an attorney help settle your husbands affairs, but if so you may ask him about the mortgage and what can be done to buy time. Please know that a lot of people are praying for you...me included. Poochie
Goldhummin, There is no insurance. There was an annuity attached to an old policy that is worth about $95. I am meeting with the church tomorrow. I think that some people have offered help, but I don't know what that consists of yet. One friend said I should write a letter about my situation and she would pass it around with a cover letter. I thought about even trying to post it on the internet, but I don't know how to do that.
jeffsgirl, I'm sending you a reply email but want to post this here so that you can possibly get started on it. I think it has potential to get you the help you need. Shanyl http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/programs.htm As far as community support goes, have a concerned friend contact the local papers and/or news stations and do a community interest piece on your situation. A widow who is disabled, 6 children and is struggling to make the house payment is exactly what the human interest angle is all about.
NEW MEMBERS READ THIS. http://consumers.creditnet.com/straighttalk/board/showthread.php?s=&postid=410243#post410243 ************************************************************ did you have a death policy on the home loan (where it gets paid if one of you dies)? jenz ]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]] You should never buy credit life-It's a rip off. ><- <>- ><- <> ~~~ ><- <>- ><- <> ><- <>- ><- <> ~~~ ><- <>- ><- <> Never read the fine print. There ain't no way you're going to like it.
You say the mortgage payoff is about 180K. What is the estimated value of the house and how far in arrears are the payments?
I don't know the value of the house. It should be more than I owe. The base price increased twice before the house was finished. My husband called last winter and the base price was more than the entire amount we paid for the house. I don't know exactly how far behind the payments are. I actually have the foreclosure papers from the court now, and I owe more than the original loan amount. There are words crossed out on the copies of the mortgage papers sent to the court. I am waiting for an attorney to figure out what that means.
You should find out the value. Have a real estate broker do a market analysis. Depending on the amount of equity, you might consider using a 'relative' with good credit to buy the house. Assuming the value is high enough, you can use a gift of equity as the down payment. That will certainly stop a foreclosure and buy you time to look for work and get some cash flow. It's just an idea I've used many timea as a real estate broker in the past.
Re: Re: Recently widowed/need help I have a friend who will do an appraisal for me. I just haven't needed it done yet. I don't have anyone who would buy the house for me, but thanks for the idea!
If your friend can do an appraisal they must know real estate, so, perhaps they happen know someone with good credit that would let you live there and they buy the house "on paper" and a friendly investment, with the understanding that once you are established you'd buy it on your own credit. It's something to get you by.
