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Foreclosures stripped. Now, cars are being torched? What's next?

I bet it's dinner on fire!

Congratulations, (small segment of) America (making an impact on the economy). I'm not sure who's to blame, but it's obvious that we are not our parents' generation. For the most part, I've had a tremendous amount of sympathy for those facing foreclosure. However, the strippers among them are tainting my view. They grow by the day.

Foreclosures Unfortunately, there are people who are so angry with the "system," they rip out landscaping, doors, micro hoods, & even those cheap little wire racks in the bedroom closets prior to vacating their homes. I won't mention the unmentionable things they do to their floors. Each day, their anger brings our economy down just a tad. I bet it comes around to bite them in the "you know where!"

If the terms "foreclosure" and "short sale" aren't sexy enoug, how about "car torching?" I learned of this on the national news yesterday, but can't find a link to the story. Apparently, a small segment of the population, now months behind on car payments, have turned to torching their vehicles in hopes of cashing in on insurance and escaping debt they can't afford.

For those who don't get caught, I suppose it might be easier than getting a second job, like our parents, grand parents, and great grand parents (and every other ancestor in debt) would have done.

We're not entitled to the American Dream. We're privileged to pursue it! Remember an essential ingredient...WORKING TO EARN IT! Or, accepting failure with grace and moving on...

What's next? Dinner on fire?

I smell a rat! If you're in a restaurant and find some one torching their hollowed baked potato, and then running from the restaurant without paying their bill; something's amiss. I smell a rat, here! Oh, it's my graphic.

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Disclaimer: The information shared here is done in the spirit of entertainment. Please know that my blog is simply an extension of myself via my writings, and doesn't necessarily reflect the opinions of the Active Rain Real Estate Network or my brokerage or broker. While I love comments from all readers, I'm not responsible for the ones made on this blog. The information I share is felt to be accurate, and will be corrected should any mistakes be pointed out. I'm not attacking families facing foreclosure, but this is a wake up call to the ones who don't handle it with grace and maturity.

Whew. What I really mean: enjoy my blog!

Winchester Living - Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley Winchester Living - The Apple Capital

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Posted by Natalie Langford, Winchester, VA Real Estate on 05/09/2008 07:42 AM

Comments (20)

Foreclosures in the Real Estate Investing Channel

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Post is included in group: Silent Majority

20 Comments on Foreclosures stripped. Now, cars are being torched? What's next?

MAY

2008

nice post. We live in "its not my fault" land. Adn since it is not my fault can I sue? Taccept that bad stuff happens. and as you say move on

Nice Post, There is little to no respect in this country anymore. The "it's not my fault" mentality drives me crazy

NATALIE - I think that desperation brings out the worst in some people. Instead of doing whatever they can to salvage what they have, they turn to destruction. I deal with a lot of bank owned homes, and you can see the frustration that has been taken out on these homes when you walk in the door.

I like your post. Some people are in a downward spiral and do not know how to get out. Blaming someone else is easier than taking responsibility. I would think whatever issues got them into a bad position will rear thier ugly heads again. Or, Karma will get them!

Funny you should mention restaurants...One of my good friends in the business has informed me of the increase in a few folks heading for the restroom after getting the check and then not going back to the table, just out the door.

Natalie, It's a very sad state of affairs to say the least. It appears that people when they are faced with foreclosure and losing their home, take their frustration out on the home itself. Their mindset is that the home caused this situation to occur. Of course, rationally, we know that this is not the case. The home never made any decision to create this situation. But this is also a pox on our society. No, we can't look at ourselves from within and realize that we made errors. No, we have to blame someone or something else - even an inanimate object. Go figure!

Natalie,

It's amazing how our current generations feel that they are entitled to special treatment and that the rules don't apply to them. People need to be responsible for their decisions.

I agree with your post. Now people want to be able to put the blame on someone else, instead of looking at themselves. Where did this sense of entitlement come from??

Then there are other people who take advantage of other peoples misery. We have a band of thieves running around to homes that are empty stealing the AC units and breaking in the house to steal the appliances. Then just for good measures they spray paint the walls. But yes this is a land of no responsibility as they used the appreciation in their homes as a ATM cash machine.

Log onto Craigslist and see all the built in sub-zero refrigerators and 3 yearold appliances being sold. You have to imagine that most of them are in foreclosure.

MAY

2008

Hey, Charlie. We do tend to live in "it's not my fault land." I'm hoping to do my part to change things with my 4 children...

Hi Dave. Perhaps a little mandatory military service might change things a little and teach our kids some respect? :-) Now, that's a suggestion which might earn me some enemies. I'm just throwing it out there, folks!

Hi Adam! You're right. Some people are so frustrated they just can't think clearly. It's very, very sad...and frustrating. Hopefully, some one will read this and think twice before they destroy their homes.

Hi Melody. I knew that word KARMA would show up sooner or later! :-)

Ernie. I don't know if I should LOL or COL...So, it's already on the increase? Wow.

Hey, Marc. I'm with you, go figure!

Martin. It is a rather self centered generation, isn't it? I can only hope this small segment of the population matures from this and passes along better lessons to their children.

Hey, Rob. Even the government wants to put blame on mortgage pro's and financial institutions. The truth hurts. Borrowers made promises they either didn't intend to keep or weren't able to keep. It's much easier to point the finger than it is to accept failure gracefully.

Hi Chris. Now, that's just too sick. I can believe it happens. I guess that's when a self generated neighborhood watch needs to take place...

Hey, No ordinary Joe! You are just so right. I'll be looking out for that. Sad, sad, sad...

One of the differences between walking away from your home or torching your car is the latter is against the law. It's still legal for people to stop making mortgage payments and skip out. Of course, stripping the home is another matter, and insurance companies, I hear, are pursuing those home owners. In some ways, insurance companies are more aggressive than the FBI. Love your potato, btw.

Hi Elizabeth. I hadn't heard of insurance companies pursuing those home owners. Very interesting. Bought my potato on line. Although, I'd like every one to believe that on top of selling real estate, I also design food art!

Any one who wants to find out more about real estate in general should check out Elizabeth's extensive writings, voted by Forbes as one of the top 5 in Best of the Web for Home Buying. (You'll be redirected to homebuying.about.com).

MAY

2008

Today too many think Big Daddy govt should bail them out.

JUN

2008

Natalie

Great piece. The bottom line is very simply that anyone with a calculator could figure out what kind of trouble they could be in for in regards to their mortgage payments. Blaming the mortgage brokers or loan officiers shows a lack of self accountability. It is really more simple math than some people would want you to beiieve. If your mortgage payment is X and it adjusts you need to decide if you can afford x + the adjustment. If you can't you had no business buying a house even if everyone told you the house would double in value in 2 years.

by the way, Do you have an outside blog that I can add to my Blogroll ?

Thanks and look forward to reading your thoughts on the world of real estate.

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