Special offer

Suffering from "Financial Analysis Paralysis"?

By
Mortgage and Lending with C2 Financial NMLS #279125

Are you among the millions of Americans who are totally confused,Analysis Paralysis suffering from a severe case of "Financial Analysis Paralysis" and convinced of the country's financial downfall?  Have the disjointed messages from the government and the subsequent media "spin" by the Talking Heads on the evening news left you wary to make any steps...sideways, forward or backwards...in the financial aspects of your life?  The sharpest and more severe financial slump in the history of the United States has created a vacuum in the collective consciousness of the American consumer. 

That vacuum is fundamentally the result of an absence of trust.  We have lost trust in our banking systems.  Our confidence in maintaining or securing employment is completely eroded.  As the National debt continues its' upward spiral, we have little faith that our children or grandchildren will ever have access to the opportunities we pursued in our lifetimes.  Further eroding our confidence in the future is that we have lost trust in our own ability to make astute and beneficial financial decisions for ourselves and our families


By and large Americans are suffering from a serious (and potentially terminal) case of "Financial Analysis Paralysis".  The symptoms are rampant across the country and have the potential to wreck as much havoc as a dreaded pandemic disease's more dire predictions.  Left unchecked, there symptoms have the potential to further erode the remaining equity of you home or to result in your paying tens of thousands of dollars of unnecessary interest cost accumulated over the live of a thirty year mortgage.

The recent real estate equity meltdown and resulting credit crisis brought on by the lax lending standard of the real estate boom years and the sudden free fall of home values have jaded our opinions, to be sure.  And, there is little doubt that the average American consumer would benefit greatly from putting their credit cards on ice and living well within their financial means.  However, "Financial Analysis Paralysis" is in direct conflict to the concept of fiscal conservatism and savvy financial stewardship.  Instead the current state of paralysis is an abdication of power and control over ones own destiny.

Regaining a sense of control and power over our own financial destiny is the very basis for returning the American consumer to a life of stability and opportunity.  The first step in the process is to debunk the myths and misleading "facts" that are bantered across the air waves every day.  Reaching out to industry professionals who can provide accurate, forthright and direct communication will help ensure individual Americans are able to make financial decisions that are 1).  THEIRS; 2). Based in FACT and 3). Congruent with their short and long term goals.

Should a consumer short sale their home over a foreclosure over a bankruptcy?  Should a consumer refinance and lower their mortgage payment?  Should a consumer just hold on tight to the status quo and do nothing until the storm passes?  I don't think anyone can answer those questions until they have had an in depth and thorough conversation and analysis of that individuals situation and circumstance.  I also don't think any true legal, real estate or financial professional begins a conversation with the "end in mind".

Confused? Uncertain?  Wary?  Most legal, real estate and mortgage professional are "hired" through our services a consumer employs us for.  We don't...and can't ....charge for consultation.  Contact us.  Ask the questions.  Get answers and determine your course of action with a purpose and destination in mind.  Many of us volunteer our time in our communities to help consumers make informed financial decisions.  We cannot help the people who are hiding behind the fear.

Photo Credit: Poldavo

 

Posted by

Become a Fan!!  Copyscape

All content protected by copywrite and may not be copied, in part or in whole, without the express written consent of the author.  Reblogging with proper authorship credit is allowable.

Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin

NMLS #279125

 

 

If you are looking for answers and creativity to accomplish your home buying goals and financial stability, contact me for a thorough analysis of your current and future home buying and refinance opportunities.  FHA, VA, renovation expert, HUD Certified First Time Homebuyer Certified Mortgage Banker.

(619) 906-6288

 

Susan Thompson-Solomons
Monument Sotheby's International Realty - Solomons, MD
Southern MD Real Estate-Solomons Specialist

Deborah, this post is extremely well written - with tremendous insight into the problems confronting us. Having worked in mortgage banking for over 25 years prior to becoming a Realtor, I find the present mistrust of the mortgage profession that has spilled over into all financial sectors to be very disturbing to say the least. As mortgage and real estate professionals we have an overwhelming challenge before us to overcome how we are perceived - "We cannot help the people that are hiding behind their fear"

Aug 12, 2010 02:44 PM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Tammie, I have to confess, I would rather spent hours upon hours counseling borrower on their best options than trying to knock down barriers of communication.  I have always known "what goes around comes around" and, if I meet with someone who's best game plan is to short sale, foreclose or file bankruptcy...I am absolutely okay with that.  I know they will know that I would never put my economic gain over my clients....and, even if we don't do business...they will refer friends and family for the rest of time.  Thanks for your comments.

Maybe we should have AR counseling badges because I know there are so many professionals here who share the same ethic.

Aug 12, 2010 02:46 PM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Susan,  Your comments are very much appreciated.  Sometimes, I have wished I had the courage (or whhttp://activerain.com/blogsview/1796231/loans-are-not-priced-by-excellent-good-fair-poor-atever it takes) to go from finance to real estate...but I love, love, love knowing agent who have been behind the veil.  To my knowledge I have never had a loan go into foreclosure, I can also state I have never made a "killing' on any one loan, and I have covered my clients is all ways from Sunday....(off soap box) to be in the position of the "bad guy" over the last couple years has been very frustrating.

I wrote a post earlier today that is an example of the very crux of the trust issue with mortgage people. http://activerain.com/blogsview/1796231/loans-are-not-priced-by-excellent-good-fair-poor-  I guess I can advertise it since this is my blog........heheheh.  I am surprised this post was featured over it, but encourage you to share, re-blog the information with your clients and consumers.  It reveals the exact reason why consumers mistrust mortgage people. 

I sincerely thank you for your comments.

Aug 12, 2010 03:02 PM
Brian Madigan
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker

Deborah,

Oftentimes, consumers will over analyze. It is a simple fact of life. The people who act, one way or the other will have a better chance of success.

Brian

Aug 12, 2010 03:33 PM
Todd & Devona Garrigus
Garrigus Real Estate - Beaumont, CA
Broker / REALTORS®

Its a tough to be in these economic times with the right information. For consumers who are uninformed its ten times more difficult!

Aug 12, 2010 03:33 PM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Brian,I think we both recognize that consumers (hey, humans) over analyze.  I think the real question is how can we, as professionals, build their trust to talk with us.  I dont't mind if I don't get the business...I do hate that people are losing their homes or walking away without consultation or representation.  Okay, maybe I am still Pollyanna................

Todd & Devona, The question is how do we inform without looking like vultures.  I think that is the challenge.

Aug 12, 2010 03:46 PM
Michelle Francis
Tim Francis Realty LLC - Atlanta, GA
Realtor, Buckhead Atlanta Homes for Sale & Lease

Deborah, 

Love this post.  So true, folks really have no idea how to think about any steps, so are not mired in fear and can't think straight.  Well put!

All the best, Michelle

Aug 12, 2010 03:57 PM
Kymberly Caldwell-Muniz
(909) 973-0410 - Fontana, CA
TCR Group Keller Williams Realty Rancho Cucamonga

Hi Deborah, this is true, great post. Why is it everyone thinks that this is turning around. Thanks for sharing.

Aug 12, 2010 04:24 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Great post.  Most people are suffering with paralysis, period!

Aug 12, 2010 05:00 PM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Bravo . . . what a well written post, and true.  A consultation is free -- get one with a reliable professional, or two.  (And, not only was this a good read Deborah, I just score 10 pts. for reporting the SPAM that's infiltrated . . . )

Aug 12, 2010 05:23 PM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Deborah, there are so many conscientious loan officers here in the Rain and throughout our country. It's a shame the few soil the reputation of the many.

Aug 12, 2010 05:48 PM
Lorraine or Loretta Kratz
Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions. - San Marcos, CA
Certified Negotiation Consultants

Deborah:

What I have detected from buyers that I recently have encounter is that they have a lack of trust in "themselves", the fact that they are uncertain that they are capable of making the right choice/decision for their needs.

As real estate agents we chant "Buy Now"" Buy Now"-- if we were in the shoes of John "Q"  buyer with all the mixed info that they are exposed to leading to a classic case of  "mental indigestion."

At the core is the lack of confidence buyers have in his/her own decision making power. We have manage to under-mind the bedrock of certainty that is needed for a consumer to "want" to purchase a home.

 

 

 

 

Aug 12, 2010 10:21 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Deborah: Great post. Thank you! This is so true. The bottom line is the numbers don't lie. Our government can trot out all the positive statistics they want but it's going to take years before we see growth again. Take care.

Aug 13, 2010 02:27 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Deborah...your "absence of trust" says it all. Unfortunately, the value of trust is fully appreciated when it is lost and then we take notice and mourn over it. That process causes us to pursue it once again, only to gain and then lose it again. We are not good stewards of it, but we need it to fully experience all life has to offer. Thank you for this meaningful post

Best

Aug 13, 2010 02:53 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Thought provoking post, Deborah.  

In addition to the Fear that is gripping America, we are also seeing countless people in Denial

"My House has not lost value...  the Plant / Company / Closed Business that I worked for will re-open... I will find the money to pay off this huge Debt that I am under..."

Until people accept the Realities of their own present financial situation,  they will remain paralyzed.

Listen to the Professionals - whether Lawyers,  Lenders, Realtors, or CPAs - and heed their advice.

Aug 13, 2010 03:38 AM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Michelle,  I understand the fear...and, the paralysis fear causes.  The issue today is that the fear seems relentless...people are letting it dictate their lives and have for far too long.  Great comment.

Kymberly,  The irony is that it will start turning around when our collective consciousness is ready to move forward, out of the murk and mire.  I am not talking about anything metaphysical (though I believe there is merit in it), but the mere fact that the economy and market will rebound when people start thinking and, more importantly, acting like it will.  For instance, this very moment is the best time to buy real estate SoCAL has seen in over 40 years...people who are sitting on the fence will be bemoaning their inaction for a very long time.  And, if you can refinance...someone tell me why they would not be beating my door down to lock in a 30 year fixed at 4.25%.  NUTS!

Sharon, Alas, you may be correct!  Me, I like action!

Carla, Thanks for the echo...appreciate it!  And, thanks for being the Hall Monitor!  Appreciate that too!

Frank & Sharon,  Yes it is!  I really don't like those guys!  GRRRR!  But, seriously, there is as much damage done by the ignorance of some mortgage/finance peeps as by the true bad guys.  Thanks for your comments.

Lorraine & Loretta, Your comment is exactly what I was trying to convey in this post.  Consumers are not only mistrusting that someone will lead them astray..more importantly, they are not trusting themselves.  We have all experienced self doubt at some point is our lives:  After a failed marriage or a career move that went awry....and we tend to sideline ourselves until we rebuild the courage to try again.  The economic melt down felt across this country has created a massive population of consumers sitting on the sidelines licking their wounds.  The economy will rebuild when we all have the courage to try, try, try again.

Paul, I don't even look at the numbers anymore...they have little relevance to my day to day operations.  Wish more people would join me! hehehe!

Richie,  Wow, sir, your connectedness amazes me.  So grateful for your comment...much more succinct and profound than my own words.  And, so true!  Blessings to you!

Fred,  There is a great diagram about the cycle of grief....I almost think it would be a good analysis for the market we are currently in...I think I will look into it!  Great comment!

Aug 13, 2010 05:01 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Deborah, I would have rather liked your first title that you mentioned.  Great post as it seems that most people don't know which way to turn so they go 'nowhere'.  That's the wrong direction!

Aug 13, 2010 06:50 AM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Lyn,  Maybe I will use that title for another post down the road.  You are so right...standing in the middle of the road going nowhere will get you ran over!!

Aug 13, 2010 07:30 AM
Leslie Ebersole
Swanepoel T3 Group - Saint Charles, IL
I help brokers build businesses they love.

Deborah: maybe it's not just paralysis but actual exhaustion from sheer over-stimulation. Just like with the four year old who has given up his nap, the endless exploring and questioning and stress of getting through the day has pushed so many people into melt down. It's no longer just an issue of trust in others, it's become a fundamental lack of faith in one's ability to make good decisions. This translates into a lack of faith in others. Your post on "knowing one's self" is the very best evidence of this.

Another great post, thank you.

Aug 13, 2010 04:30 PM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Leslie, What a great analogy...I certainly feel like I have skipped my nap for the past couple years!  It has been exhausting....but I reallly believe we are poised to come out of the murk and mire.  In fact, I have quit reading anything negative about the economy....maybe it is my PollyAnna coming out to play!  

Aug 14, 2010 02:45 AM