Happy Holidays to All

Go for it, Jack.

I'm with Jon - Go For It!

And please post here to let us all know how you're received by homeowners and the media.

Happy Holidays to All.

Lea Lagueux

Tampa, Fl

Hi Jack,

That's the Christmas spirit! Plus, the sooner we can deal with each of these individual problems the sooner we can get this market behind us. It is a great way to help those who need it, create some great Christmas and New Year goodwill, and get your local market back on its feet again.

Jack,

I live in Central FL, another of the 'top foreclosure' hit list and I too have been swamped with people wanting help selling houses that are worth less than the mortgages on them. Short Sales and Mortgage mods are all I do now.

Although I admire your interest in helping as many people pro bono as possible, I would caution you to limit the number of people that you take on for free as this is such a time consuming process.

To truly help, you need to not only spend a lot of your time, but you may also need to spend money . I would caution you to focus on a few people that you can help well- perhaps just those in your neighborhood, or those who also have no jobs, or only a certain number per month until one is done, etc.

You can't save the world all by yourself, but you can make it a better place, one person at a time, if you don't over-extend yourself.

Blessings to you for wanting to help, good luck and please let us know how this works out for you.

Quoting Jack Harper:

This might be filed under the "is he nuts?" category, but my wife and partner, Sue, and I have had an epiphany of sorts. We live in Brentwood CA (no, not the suburb of LA where OJ lived, but the one in No. CA). Our town is one of the worst hit areas in the country for foreclosures. On my street alone (not a bad neighborhood, on the golf course, great views) we have seen seven foreclosures so far out of only 23 homes!

These homes are being lost by folks who were caught up in the loan debacle - unable to refinance to a better loan and lender not willing to easily modify to a lower rate to allow people stay in their homes. The homes are mostly worth less right now than the owners paid for and likely owe on them. So, sadly, they need to leave their homes to the lenders.

Many of these can be saved if the borrowers only understand the ins and outs of the modification process. Many will not but some can be saved if these people are guided through the process by someone who knows the right buttons to push or the right people to call and understands how to "package" the modification for best results.

This Christmas morning, we happened to be walking the neighborhood, when it hit me. I need to help. No ulterior motive, I just need to help. I also have a fresh recall of the pro bono discussion recently here on RT. Two plus two equals four.

I have decided to offer my services to these folks here who are possibly facing foreclosure, as long as ths is regarding their HOME - not an investment property. And, my services will be offered for no charge. I will be contacting the local papers and the Internet sites to promote this, but I am totally committed. People need help staying in their homes. Maybe I can help.

Yes, this goes against the grain and I might be disliked by some of my peers for this, but it does not matter in the least.

I know that this has little to do with the group, except it is consulting for a $0.00 fee. I just want to share it in the hope that there are others out there who might be in a position similar to mine in that we can actually work for free on purpose.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday,

JackH

Thanks Lea, will do.

JackH

Pauls writes:

Although I admire your interest in helping as many people pro bono as possible, I would caution you to limit the number of people that you take on for free as this is such a time consuming process.

To truly help, you need to not only spend a lot of your time, but you may also need to spend money . I would caution you to focus on a few people that you can help well- perhaps just those in your neighborhood, or those who also have no jobs, or only a certain number per month until one is done, etc.

I agree and understand the time and emotion drain such a project can have. After more than 25 years, I just feel it is time to give back as much as my own time and ability will allow. I feel that we in the industry have always been blessed to work with great families. Part of that is a real responsibility to work with them when there is no financial gain for us.

I do not think this is for everyone to attempt. I happen to be in a position where I am able to donate some time and energy to help those who need it the most.

About limiting my list of folks I will help: I strongly believe that others will come along to help, so we will be able to handle many clients. I have some criteria (no investment property, fit the FHA H4H guidelines, no fast buck scammers) so this will not be a severe drain. And, I will not put any of my own money into this. Time, experience, energy and caring I will give. It does not involve me making a financial investment beyond that.

JackH

To Jack H. / members. Amen! to the thought about helping those in need! Foreclosures are NOT good, for any of us (anywhere, any time, any how)... You are on to something big Jack! Even if we do help some folks out (for free) it will definitely help us all! Being part of a solution is a whole lot better than bemoaning all the bad news (or wasting so much time on it).

I want to learn more!

To ALL a Merry Christmas! (regardless of your beliefs... I think we all need Well Wishing.) Ho! Ho! Ho!

Bill Q. Broker/owner Austin, TX

Mahalo for your time, great energy and for sharing your thoughts with the community!

I'm delighted to hear you have a heartfelt desire to help.

I enjoy giving my time and energy when posible and enjoy hearing the various ways that others do as well.

Peace and Goodwill to all from Maui!

Shirley Randall R(S)

Thanks Bill,

I enjoyed talking with you this morning.

JackH