Foreclosure Pets

The number of animals being surrendered to animal shelters is soaring as the US foreclosure crisis grows—some shelters have 35% more animals now than this time last year. As more and more people lose their homes, 100’s of animals are being surrendered. Even worse are the animals just abandoned without out food or water—sometimes left locked inside homes. It’s often the real estate agents and property inspectors who are finding the abandoned animals in horrible conditions and sometimes already dead.

Another outcome from the surge in foreclosures, is fewer new homeowners. Fewer homeowners means there are fewer pet adoptions taking place across the country. There aren’t enough people to adopt the influx of pets.

Sadly, many people facing foreclosure are waiting until the last minute to make plans and many families are having a hard time finding rentals that allow pets, especially medium and large dogs. It is illegal in most states to abandon your animals not to mention barbaric.

The Philadelphia SCPA is waiving fees for surrendering pets due to foreclosures. And the Salem Animal Rescue League in New Hampshire is looking at providing temporary shelter for pets until their families get back on their feet after a foreclosure.(via therealestatebloggers)

The crisis is widespread enough that the Humane Society of the US and the ASPCA have issued statements urging people facing foreclosure to plan for their pets. The HSUS has good tips on how to protect your pets:

Give yourself enough time. If possible, check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least six weeks before you plan to move or when you first learn that foreclosure and/or eviction may be in your future.

Make use of available resources. Contact the humane society or animal care and control agency serving the area into which you are moving; the agency may be able to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow pets.

Gather proof that you’re responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. This can include statements from current property managers and neighbors that you maintain your pet responsibly, as well as copies of veterinary records showing ongoing pet care.

Get it in writing. Once you have permission from a landlord, manager or condominium committee to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property and the pets themselves.

The HSUS also has tips on lowering the costs of keeping your pets:

While buying expensive toys and accessories has become a popular way to demonstrate your attachment to your pet, your pet can be just as happy with less expensive toys or homemade toys. They need your love and attention more than a pricey product. The HSUS has tips for inexpensive toys for both cats and dogs.

Keep your pets safe inside or on a leash while walking outside. Animals allowed to roam freely are more prone to accidents and resulting veterinary bills.

Let your veterinarian know that finances are tight and ask that he or she prescribe only the most vital vaccinations to keep your pet healthy.

Consider pet health insurance to minimize the shock of an expensive bill from the veterinarian in case of an unexpected illness or injury.

This article courtesy of Sarah at Pet Project.

Foreclosure Predators

The current foreclosure crisis strikes at the heart of the American economy, the homeowner. Homeowners across the nation are being forced to leave their most prized investments and face financial instability.

As if this was not shameful enough, many homeowners are being defrauded by so-called “Foreclosure Specialists.” In reality, these specialists are small businesses dedicated to preying upon unsuspecting homeowners facing foreclosure. Many of these businesses promise financial stability and the ability to save the homeowners home, but their main focus is to take as much money from the homeowner as possible and leave them still in foreclosure.

Thus, they are commonly referred to as “foreclosure predators.” These companies use emotional instability to guide their prospects into paying them egregious fees for little or no work on behalf of the homeowner. While the homeowners they promise to help are thrown out into the street, they are taking as much money from them as possible. This type of predatory business preys upon many unsuspecting homeowners every year.

Unfortunately, the businesses that do, in fact, help homeowners are becoming tied in with such predators. Not only do the predators hurt their own customers, but they also prevent other reputable companies from actually helping people. The following tips may be helpful in determining if a foreclosure consultation company.

First, a homeowner must be sure that the consultant is a member of the Better Business Bureau. If a consultant dodges this question, they are generally not a reputable company. Also, it will help the company is a Reliability Partner with the BBB. This designation is only given to the highest rated companies within the BBB. This verification shows that the business has never had any unresolved complaints against it. This is a very reliable way to determine the legitimacy of a business.

Also, a homeowner should ensure that the company is a member of Dun & Bradstreet. This financial institution provides valuable commercial information regarding some businesses. If a consultant is a member with D&B, they are most likely among the elite in their industry.

Lastly, do not be concerned with up front fees, but beware of guarantees. Most consultation firms must charge up front fees for the simple reason that once a home is saved, many times the homeowners do not feel the need to pay them. Guarantees, however, are not the mark of a good consultation firm. Reputable firms understand the work that it takes to save a home. Therefore, most do not guarantee anything because it is a risky business. When choosing a consultant, homeowners should choose a firm that conducts an interview to determine whether the homeowner will qualify.

Foreclosure predators will always be attempting to defraud homeowners during perilous times, but with close examination, a homeowner can severely reduce the chances of being caught in a “foreclosure scam.”

This article submitted by Jacob Cukjati
For more information see stopforeclosurecenter.com