Someone just called and told me that they had enlisted the assistance of one of the advertisers on televsion to get foreclosure assistance. (I cringed, sorry.)
Well, $4,000 later, money they could not afford to spend or they would have made the payments on their home, they are facing a sheriff's sale. The up side is that we may still be able to save them from complete disaster. But, they are now facing even more loss. And, they basically "gave away" $4,000 to someone who could not or would not help them save the home.
Not saying these were con artists, but it sure smells of it. When you or someone you knows trusts the advertisers to deliver, do you have complete confidence that even though they don't operate in your state or, even if they do, do they have your best interests at heart? Or, do you think they might want to prolong the agony for more money per month to perform on your behalf? Hmmmm....
Desparation takes many forms, and embarrassment to contact someone in your community takes some intestinal fortitude. However, those of us who work in your community have a far greater stake in your well-being and doing the right thing than someone out of state who cares little, if at all, about your property or you! I know that if I do the right thing by you, you will refer your relatives and friends. Being in this community means a lot to me. And, I want my friends, colleagues and relatives to know they can trust me to do the right thing. I work at it every day.
When you have a problem, right from the start, get the best advice you can whether from legal counsel, an accountant or a trusted realtor. I'm here if you just need an ear. And, I have many trusted advisors to refer you to, should you need them.
I am hearing more and more stories like this these days. As long as there are people in a bad situation out there, there will be people who prey on them.