#real estate eviction lawyer

[chargoisharper]

Create your Advance Healthcare Directive with Chargois Harper. Ensure your medical wishes are honored. For more information schedule a free consultation with our experienced advanced healthcare directive attorney. 

[rantsintechnicolor]

Dear new landlord,

We know you are trying a renovation eviction so you can raise the rent so you can cover the mortgage on this property where we have lived for twenty years. Our unit is more than livable and doesn’t need any renovation. You bought this place knowing the rents would not cover the mortgage. It was always your plan to evict us. 

Do you think you are a good person?

How many people have you done this to? How many people have you displaced from their homes, and do you know where they are now?

Do you care that you could make us homeless? Do you care that you are perpetuating a pattern that makes people homeless?

We want to live comfortably with our cat in a small apartment that has a small garden, small footprint with some cheerful greenery, not extravagantly, not outside of our means. You endanger that. You could make us homeless. You are doing this to us. For what? Why? Because this is an investment property? Because money? So, are we not people? 

You deliberately steer clear of us, don’t try to get to know us, so you can avoid the guilt of hurting us. When you go through with this eviction, you are hurting us. 

Can I please recommend that you at least talk to us? Negotiate with us? Get to know us? Consider what it is to invest for money versus investing in people.

Think about what you are doing. Because make no mistake, you are doing it. You. You have the power to ruin lives. You have chosen to ruin lives with this eviction.

[lawofficeofryansshipp]

A Floridian Landlord's Playbook for Overcoming Common Rental Hurdles

    Florida Eviction Lawyers Hey there, fellow Landlord,   Diving into the world of Florida real estate can be as thrilling as a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral. Here’s my personal guide, honed from years in the trenches, to help you navigate the common ups and downs of renting out property. Ensuring Rent Arrives on Time We’ve all felt the sting of late rent payments. Clear communication about…

[sacastillolaw]

Sergio A. Castillo, licensed Texas attorney.

Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law: Purchase and Sale Agreements, Owner Finance Documents, Foreclosures, Evictions.

Estate Planning, Wills, Probate.

Small Claims, General Counsel, Business Solutions.

[murrayziel]

Trusted Legal Advisors In Meridian: Services Offered At Murray, Ziel, & Johnston, Attorneys

Murray, Ziel, & Johnston, Attorneys is your trusted legal advisor in Meridian. Our firm offers a wide range of services, including family law, immigration law, and criminal defense. With decades of experience, our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to providing knowledgeable and personalized representation to every one of our clients.

One of our key services is family law. Our Family Law Attorney in Meridian is equipped with the expertise and compassion to help you navigate through the complexities of family law issues. Whether it’s a divorce, child custody dispute, or property division, our team has the experience and resources to guide you through the legal process and achieve a favorable outcome. We understand that family law matters can be emotionally challenging, and we strive to provide our clients with the support and guidance they need during this difficult time.

In addition to family law, we also specialize in immigration law. Our Immigration Attorneys in Meridian are well-versed in the constantly evolving immigration laws and regulations. We understand that the immigration process can be daunting and complex, which is why we are committed to providing our clients with comprehensive and personalized services. Whether you are seeking a visa, or green card, or facing deportation, our team will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve your immigration goals.

Last but not least, our firm also has a dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney in Meridian and surrounding areas. Being charged with a crime can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Our experienced criminal defense team is here to help you navigate through the criminal justice system and ensure that your rights are protected. We handle a wide range of criminal cases, including DUIs, drug offenses, and domestic violence. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws and procedures involved in these cases and will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

At Murray, Ziel, & Johnston, Attorneys, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and our results-driven approach. We understand that each case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients. Our attorneys have a reputation for being strong advocates in the courtroom, and we have a track record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients.

In addition to our legal expertise, we also prioritize communication and transparency with our clients. We understand that legal matters can be complicated, and we strive to ensure that our clients are fully informed and involved in the decision-making process every step of the way. We are committed to providing our clients with top-notch legal representation and achieving the best possible outcomes for their cases. Contact us today at (208)904-4444 to schedule a consultation and visit our website athttps://www.murrayziel.com/ to learn more about how we can assist you with your legal needs.

[gatheringbones]

[“Many landlords were part-timers: machinists or preachers or police officers who came to own property almost by accident (through inheritance, say) and saw real estate as a side gig. But the last forty years had witnessed the professionalization of property management. Since 1970, the number of people primarily employed as property managers had more than quadrupled. As more landlords began buying more property and thinking of themselves primarily as landlords (instead of people who happened to own the unit downstairs), professional associations proliferated, and with them support services, accreditations, training materials, and financial instruments. According to the Library of Congress, only three books offering apartment-management advice were published between 1951 and 1975. Between 1976 and 2014, the number rose to 215. Even if most landlords in a given city did not consider themselves “professionals,” housing had become a business.

The evening’s speaker was Ken Shields, from the Self Storage Brokers of America. After selling his insurance company, Shields had begun looking for a way to get into real estate. He started out with rooming houses, which meant he started out renting mainly to poor single men. “Very nice cash flow. But I no longer have them.” The room chuckled. “I made some good money, and I mean, I love to get money, but I’m still just as happy not running around and dealing with some of these dregs of society who live in rooming houses.”Sherrena, who owned a couple of rooming houses, laughed along with the room. Then Shields found self-storage. “It’s got the residual incomes of an apartment building, but,” he lowered his voice, squinted, “you don’t have the people. You just got their stuff!…This is the sweetest spot in the whole American economy. A receptacle for an enormous cascade of money.”

The landlords loved Ken Shields, even if he did live in Illinois. When he finished his speech, the room broke into applause. The RING president, a mustached man with a full pouch for a stomach, stood up clapping. When there wasn’t a speaker, he often organized round robins. One such evening, a woman from Lead and Asbestos Information Center, Inc., had started off by announcing, “There is money to be made on lead,” to a room of landlords who more often lost money trying to abate it. One landlord asked whether he would have to report the presence of asbestos to the city or the tenants if he tested for it. “No, you don’t,” the woman had said.

The conversation moved on and someone else had asked about garnishing wages. A lawyer informed the room that a landlord was allowed to garnish a tenant’s bank account and up to 20 percent of his or her income, but the last $1,000 was exempt. And welfare recipients were off-limits.

“How about intercepting their tax refund?” Sherrena had asked.

The lawyer looked a bit stunned. “Noooo, only the government can do that.”

Sherrena already knew that. She had looked into it before. Her question wasn’t a question; it was a message to Eric, Mark, Kathy, and everyone else in the room that she would do almost anything to get the rent. Many white landlords knew money could be made in the inner city, where property was cheap, but the thought of collecting payments on the North Side, let alone passing out eviction notices, made them nervous. Sherrena wanted them to know that she could help.”]

matthew desmond, from evicted: poverty and profit in the american city, 2016

[theambitiouswoman]

Heyy

Do you have any advice on starting a real estate business as in just buying and renting out property?

Thanks 🤍

Yes!

**For the record, I have personally done a few flips/rehabs. Apart from that, I knew/know most of the realtors in this city and relating companies as I worked with most real estate/mortgage and title companies here when I had an agency.

First you need to be able to learn the market and research comparables. When looking to buy properties there are important factors to consider to make sure you are not paying overprice for a property as well as that the are is on demand, ensuring it will be easier to rent out the property.

The location of the property and its proximity to amenities like schools, shopping centers, grocery stores, transportation etc. Also that the area is safe.

You also want to look for areas that has future development plans, this will raise the value of your property.

If you have worked with investment companies, you will quickly learn that buying a property that is not in the best condition, a rehab property, could be a very smart play. You want to make sure of course to check the comparables and ensure that the property is underpriced compared to the other homes in the area. Once you rehab the property, it could raise or even surpass the value of the other homes in the area.

Any home that you would look into to buy for renting out should have elements that you intend to upgrade on. There are a lot of reasons for this but the most important one is how it raises your price and potential earnings. Redoing a kitchen or a bathroom can immediately raise the value of your home anywhere from 5-50k. A project that will cost you anywhere from 3-10k on average for a standards nice kitchen depending on your area.

Overall you still want to look at the comps to make sure you are getting a fair deal. Calculate the potential annual rent as a percentage of the properties price. This will give you an idea of the return on your investment. Also make sure that the potential rental income exceeds the monthly expenses. If not it does not make sense.

Check the vacancy rates in the area you want to purchase in, if its high there may be a low demand and not a good area to invest in.

Also you want to think about how easy it would be to sell the property if you need to. In demand areas tend to be more liquid.

So important, to understand the landlord/ tenant laws in your state. Including their rights and eviction process etc. Nothing worst than having a horrible tenant and not being legally able to remove them.

There are a lot of rate plans depending on your specific situation and mortgage rates also vary significantly by state. Make sure to get the best deal for you. Some states a first time can give as little as 1-5% down depending if you are a first time/ entrepreneur etc.

Property insurance is another cost factor to consider when working out your numbers as this varies by area.

Managing a few properties on your own is easy, but after a handful, you may want to consider hiring a property management company to handle these things for you.

I would strongly urge you to get a lawyer to draw up renter contracts.

To grow this business what you want to do, and this is a general overview: down payment for house, fix, rent out, refinance, use refinance to purchase another property and have enough to put into upgrades/repairs on the second purchase and repeat.

I can get into taxes on this too if you want.

[eretzyisrael]

That was the slogan on a placard brandished by a protester outside a home in Jerusalem’s Old City section, denouncing last week’s removal of illegal Arab squatters from the property.

On one level, it was just another ordinary real estate dispute, the kind that is heard in courts every day in every city in the world. Except that this one involves Arabs, Jews and racists who believe that Jews should not be allowed to live in mostly Arab neighborhoods—like the guy with the “Welcome to Apartheid” sign.

That’s right—the same people who are trying to keep members of one ethnic group out of a neighborhood, which is the very definition of “apartheid,” were standing there with signs accusing the Israeli authorities of “apartheid.”

This one deserves to be added to the dictionary, next to the word “Orwellian.”

In George Orwell’s famous novel 1984, the ironically named Ministry of Truth has three slogans: “War is Peace,” “Freedom is Slavery” and “Ignorance is Strength.” The meaning of words has been reversed to serve an ideological purpose. People are taught that those words actually mean the exact opposite of what they thought they meant. In the Jerusalem case, integration is now called “apartheid.”

This remarkable story began in 1948 when the Jordanian army conquered and illegally occupied Jerusalem’s Old City, the section where the Temple Mount, the Western Wall and the ancient Jewish Quarter are located.

The Jordanians expelled every Jew from the Jewish Quarter, at gunpoint. That’s apartheid.

During the 19 years to follow, the Jordanians refused to allow any Jews to return to their homes. That’s apartheid.

Jews were not even allowed to pray at the Western Wall, which the Jordanians used as a garbage dump. That’s apartheid.

Local Arabs moved into the homes in the Jewish Quarter. Does that seem like a reasonable thing to do? If a racist government in the United States expelled African-Americans from some neighborhood, would it be reasonable for their white neighbors to just move in and take over their homes?

Of course not. That’s called “squatting.” It’s illegal. Police throughout the world are constantly evicting squatters from other people’s properties. And most local governments are far less patient than the Israelis in dealing with such situations.

The Jerusalem case dragged on in Israel’s courts for an incredible 45 years. Israeli judges patiently heard appeal after appeal. They listened to lawyers for the squatters insist they had a right to the property on the grounds that they had been living there since the 1950s.

Think about that. A racist government expelled the Jews. Squatters then occupied the Jews’ property. And they demanded the right to stay there because they stole it a really long time ago. As legal arguments go, that’s not much of a case. So finally, earlier this year, Israel’s left-leaning Supreme Court ruled that the squatters had to leave. And this week, the police made them do so.

After suffering from 70 years of apartheid, the rightful heirs of the original Jewish owners can finally move back to their property. Since most of the people currently living in the immediate vicinity are Arabs, Jews moving back to the property means integrating the neighborhood.

Supporters of Arab apartheid are crestfallen. So, they took out their cardboard and magic markers this week, and set to work making signs to wave at their demonstration. There was just one problem: They couldn’t be honest. They couldn’t make signs that expressed their true feelings. They couldn’t use slogans such as “Jews Keep Out” or “Arabs Only.” (Or that infamous one from America’s past, “No Jews or Dogs Allowed.”) Because being honest would make them look bad.

So, they decided to go Orwellian: “Welcome to Apartheid.” Integration is apartheid. Ethnic coexistence is racism. Diversity is exclusion. Orwell’s Ministry of Truth couldn’t have said it any better.

[macmanx]

Across the U.S., judges have final say over evictions, and there has long been a major power imbalance in courts: Some 80% of landlords have lawyers, but just 3% of tenants do. Those facing eviction are also disproportionately people of color, reflecting generations of racial discrimination in real estate, banking and the labor market.

Right now, many renters figure there's no way they'll win in eviction court, so they skip it, lose by default and get forced out of their homes.

[chargoisharper]

If you want to know who makes decisions in probate, Contact our experienced Probate attorney in Chicago IL at 872-252-7949.

[billscheft]

On Sunday, December 1, 1980, I kissed Megan Brandeis goodnight at the Envoy Towers on 46th and Second and drove my 1973 Cutlass across town to 43rd between Seventh and Eighth, the Times Square Motel Hotel. At $350/month, that was going to be my Manhattan address for the foreseeable future, or maybe forever. Forever turned out to be a month. Just before Christmas, I got a call from a classmate of mine, Fritz McLoughlin, who when I answered the phone in my 14th floor room next door to the hooker taking secretarial classes, said, "Jesus, you really are there. I thought Fleming (another classmate) was bullshitting me." He composed himself and continued. "I heard you're looking for a place. One of the guys is moving out of my apartment. 92nd and Madison. It's yours if you want it. $350 a month." I thanked him and said I liked where I was (100 feet from the NY Times offices, and, as it turned out, a crosstown and a half block from The Improv) and heading 50 blocks uptown for the same rent seemed like both a vertical and lateral move. "Schefty," he said, "You have a room. I'm offering you a life...." Back then, you couldn't tell me anything, but that somehow got in. I moved New Year's Eve morning to 1290 Madison Avenue, Apt 4N. Eight rooms, three guys, $1050 a month. And I mean eight rooms. Two bedrooms, one bath, a den (my bedroom), living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, friggin maid's room with a half-bath. Fritz moved out two months later, and the one guy who was actually on the lease, Larry Meads, left six months after that. He agreed to pay the rent from his bank account, but I was in charge of collecting the money and reimbursing him. Over the next year, I ran a bit of a hotel. Let's say a half-dozen people got mail there. In August 1982, we got popped with the eviction notice. I got a sit-down with the landlord, Kayvan Hakim, and (with a $250 retainer for a lawyer) bought another six months. I had everyone clear out in five, leaving Kayvan with the security deposit, like any real estate mogul would do. My roommate, fellow comic and writing partner, the late Eric Zoyd, moved with me, and legitimately, into a five-floor walk-up/laughable $700-a-month one-bedroom at 76th and Third February 1, 1983. For the last 40 years, whenever I walked by 1290 Madison, I had nothing but fond memories of the life Fritz had given me, and nothing but fantasies about how much Apartment 4N (which was refigured into 4NE/4NW) could possibly be worth. Until today, when, walking home from pickleball, I looked up and realized that my memories would soon be without their original set.... (Funny Apt. 4N tomorrow).

[lawofficeofryansshipp]

Navigating Unlawful Detainer Cases in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Navigating Unlawful Detainer Cases in Miami-Dade County, Florida: A Helpful Guide for Property Owners Unlawful detainer lawyer Miami-Dade Hey there! Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of dealing with unlawful detainer cases right here in Miami-Dade County, Florida. If you’re a property owner grappling with an unwelcome guest or a stubborn family member overstaying their welcome, you’re in…

[lawadvocategroup]

How a Los Angeles Law Firm Can Help You with Real Estate Disputes

Real estate disputes can be stressful and complicated. Whether you're dealing with a landlord-tenant disagreement, a property line conflict, or a contract issue, having the right legal representation is crucial. A Los Angeles law firm like Law Advocate Group can help you navigate these challenges and protect your interests.

In this article, we’ll explore how a real estate attorney in Los Angeles can assist you with your real estate disputes and ensure your rights are upheld. We’ll also highlight the importance of having a tenant rights lawyer in Los Angeles on your side if you’re a renter facing legal issues.

Types Of Real Estate Disputes

Real estate disputes can take many forms. Here are some common examples:

Landlord-Tenant Disputes: These often involve disagreements over rent, maintenance, or eviction. In these cases, a tenant rights lawyer in Los Angeles can protect renters from unfair treatment.

Boundary Disputes: Sometimes, property owners have conflicts over where the exact property line is. This can lead to expensive and time-consuming lawsuits.

Contract Issues: Real estate contracts are legally binding. If one party doesn’t fulfill their obligations, legal action may be necessary to enforce the contract or seek compensation.

Title disputes: Title issues arise when there is confusion over who legally owns a property.

In any of these situations, having a skilled real estate lawyer in Los Angeles can make all the difference. They have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the complexities of real estate law.

Why You Need a Real Estate Attorney

Hiring a real estate attorney in Los Angeles is essential for resolving disputes efficiently. Law Advocate Group has a team of experienced lawyers who specialize in real estate law and have a deep understanding of California property laws.

Here’s how a Los Angeles law firm like Law Advocate Group can help:

Expert advice and guidance: Real estate laws can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with legal jargon. A real estate lawyer in Los Angeles will explain the legal process in simple terms, ensuring you understand your rights and options.

Negotiation and Mediation: Before resorting to court, it’s often best to try to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation. A skilled attorney can help you reach a fair settlement without the need for costly litigation.

Representation in Court: If your dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, having an attorney to represent you in court is essential. A real estate attorney in Los Angeles will build a strong case on your behalf and fight to protect your rights.

Protection for Tenants: Renters facing issues with their landlords, such as wrongful eviction or disputes over security deposits, should seek help from a tenant rights lawyer in Los Angeles. Law Advocate Group’s experienced attorneys can ensure that tenants are treated fairly and that landlords follow the law.

The Importance of Working with a Law Advocate Group

When dealing with real estate disputes, you need a trusted and experienced law firm by your side. Law Advocate Group is a respected Los Angeles law firm known for its expertise in real estate law. Whether you’re a property owner, buyer, seller, or tenant, they offer personalized legal solutions to meet your needs.

With Law Advocate Group, you can be confident that you’re getting expert legal advice from a real estate lawyer in Los Angeles who understands the local market and laws. They will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

Real estate disputes can be overwhelming, but with the help of a real estate attorney in Los Angeles, you can navigate the process smoothly. Whether you need assistance with a contract issue, boundary dispute, or landlord-tenant matter, Law Advocate Group’s experienced attorneys are here to help. Don’t face these challenges alone—let a Los Angeles law firm protect your interests and guide you toward a resolution.

[leagal-experts]

Comprehensive Legal Solutions in Delhi: Expertise in Matrimonial, Real Estate, and Labour Law with Sharma and Sharma Advocates

When navigating through complex legal matters, it is important to have a reliable law firm that specializes in many areas. Sharma & Sharma Advocates stands as a premier law firm in Delhi, providing specialist legal advice in areas of practice. Focusing on matrimonial law, real estate disputes, and labor law, the firm will offer customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each client Whether they handle family matters , real estate transactions, or workplace matters, Sharma Sharma Advocates ensures comprehensive legal representation.

Specialist Marriage Law Office in Delhi

Family law, especially matrimonial litigation, often involves emotionally charged situations that require not only legal expertise but also a compassionate approach. Sharma & Sharma Advocates has earned a reputation as one of the leading matrimonial law firms in Delhi, providing expert guidance on divorce, custody, custody, and other family-related legal matters

Divorce proceedings in particular can be stressful and overwhelming for all involved. Sharma & Sharma Advocates focuses on an individualized legal strategy tailored to the individual circumstances of each case. Whether it’s an uncontested divorce, a mutually consensual separation, or a contentious matter involving property division and child custody disputes, their attorneys provide expert legal advice to achieve the best possible outcome any possible outcome for their clients

The firm’s expertise extends to:

Divorce Settlements: Crafting agreements on alimony, property division, and other financial matters.

Child Custody: Protecting parental rights and ensuring child welfare.

Domestic Violence: Providing legal representation in cases of abuse or harassment within marriage.

Mediation Services: Helping couples resolve disputes through negotiation to avoid prolonged litigation.

As a prominent Matrimonial Law Firm in Delhi, Sharma and Sharma Advocates takes pride in helping clients through one of the most challenging times in their lives. Their compassionate and strategic approach ensures that clients not only receive fair treatment but also a clear path toward resolving their legal concerns.

Skilled Real Estate Lawyer in Delhi

Legal matters relating to property require exceptional knowledge and experience, Sharma & Sharma Advocates is known for its team of professional Real Estate Lawyer in Delhi Real estate law has complex and frequent offers disputes arise over property transactions, land ownership and leases. Whether representing buyers, sellers, or developers, the firm’s real estate attorneys provide comprehensive legal advice to ensure that all transactions are conducted in accordance with the law

The legal landscape of real estate can be difficult to navigate without professional guidance. The Real Estate Lawyers in Delhi at Sharma and Sharma Advocates assist clients with matters such as:

Property Disputes: Handling cases related to property ownership, boundary disputes, and encroachments.

Contract Review: Ensuring that all contracts for the sale or purchase of property are legally sound and protect the client’s interests.

Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Representing landlords or tenants in cases related to rental agreements, eviction, and security deposits.

Real Estate Transactions: Offering legal counsel during property transactions to prevent legal complications.

For businesses and individuals involved in real estate, whether residential or commercial, Sharma and Sharma Advocates provides a reliable and expert legal service to safeguard their property rights and investments.

Dedicated Labour Court Lawyers in Delhi

Workplace disputes and employment law matters require the expertise of experienced Labor Court Lawyers in Delhi, and Sharma Sharma Advocates excels in this field. Employment law governs the relationship between employers and employees, ensuring fair conduct and compliance with labor laws. The company's experienced labor litigation attorneys represent employees and employers, ensuring that their rights are protected in employment disputes.

The scope of labor law is vast, covering everything from wage disputes to wrongful termination. The Labour Court Lawyers in Delhi at Sharma and Sharma Advocates offer expert legal assistance in matters such as:

Employment Contracts: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts to ensure fairness and legal compliance.

Wrongful Termination: Representing employees who have been unfairly dismissed from their jobs.

Wage Disputes: Resolving issues related to unpaid wages, overtime, or illegal deductions.

Workplace Harassment: Offering legal representation in cases of harassment or discrimination in the workplace.

The firm also helps companies develop policies that comply with Indian labor laws, thereby reducing the risk of future disputes. For employees facing unfair discrimination or employers in need of legal protection, Sharma & Sharma Advocates provides expert representation to secure a fair outcome.

Why Choose Sharma and Sharma Advocates?

Sharma & Sharma Advocates stands out as a leading law firm in Delhi for its in-depth expertise and client-centric approach in many areas of law. Whether it's family law, real estate, or employment law, the firm's experienced attorneys put clients' needs first and offer customized legal options Here's why clients continue to trust Sharma and Sharma Attorneys:

Experienced Team: The firm’s lawyers are experts in their respective fields, with years of experience in Delhi’s legal landscape.

Comprehensive Legal Services: With expertise in matrimonial law, real estate, and labor law, the firm provides a one-stop solution for various legal needs.

Client-Centric Approach: Each case is treated with the care and attention it deserves, ensuring that clients receive personalized legal counsel.

Proven Track Record: Sharma and Sharma Advocates has a long history of achieving favorable outcomes for its clients in both litigation and negotiation.

Conclusion

Whether you are facing a marital dispute, a property dispute, or a professional dispute, Sharma & Sharma Advocates provides the legal expertise you need to successfully resolve your case. As a top matrimonial law firm in Delhi, with leading real estate lawyers in Delhi and experienced labor court lawyers in Delhi, the firm offers comprehensive legal solutions that ensure your rights are protected to protect the.

[westernwind]

My Job is to Watch Dreams Die

By /u/jobthreadthrowaway

I work at a real estate office. We primarily sell houses that were foreclosed on by lenders. We aren't involved in the actual foreclosures or evictions - anonymous lawyers in the cloud somewhere is tasked with the paperwork - we are the boots on the ground that interacts with the actual walls, roofs and occasional bomb threat.

When the lender forecloses - or is thinking of foreclosing - on a property one of the first things that happens is they send somebody out to see if there is actually a house there and if there is anybody living there who needs to be evicted. Lawyers are expensive so they send a real estate agent or a property preservation company out to check. There is the occasional discovery of fraud where there was never a house on the parcel to begin with, but such instances are rare. Sometimes this initial visit results in discovering a house that has burned down or demolished, is abandoned or occupied by somebody who has absolutely no connection with the homeowner. Sometimes the houses are discovered to be crack dens or meth labs, sometimes the sites of cock or dog fighting operations, or you might even find a back yard filled with a pot cultivation that can't be traced back to anybody because it was planted in yet another vacant house in a blighted neighborhood. The house could be worth less than zero - blighted to the point where you can't even give it away (this is a literal statement, I have tried to give away many houses or even vacant lots with no takers over the years) or it could be a waterfront mansion in a gated golf community worth well over seven figures that does not include the number "one". Sometimes they are found to have been seized by the IRS, the local tax authority, the DEA or the US Marshal. Variety is the rule. The end results are the law.

If the house is occupied my job is to make contact and determine who they are: there are laws that establish what happens to a borrower as opposed to a tenant and the servicemember relief act adds an additional set of questions that must be answered. Some of the people have an idea of why I am there. Some claim they never knew they were foreclosed on, or tell me that they have worked something out with their lender, some won't tell me a thing and some threaten me to never return in the name of the police, their lawyer, or the occasional "or else/if I were you". During one initial visit the sight of 50-60 motorcycles parked on the lawn suggested that we try again the next day. At a couple the police had cordoned off the area and at one they were in the process of dredging the lake searching for the body of a depressed former homeowner.

If nobody is home I have to determine if they are at work, on vacation, in the army, wintering/summering at their other home, in jail, in a nursing home, dead or if they moved away. It isn't easy. Utilities can be left on for months. Neighbors can be staging the yard and house to appear occupied to prevent blight in their neighborhood. By the same token people will stop cutting the lawn for months, let trash and old phone books pile up on their porch, lose gas and electric service and continue to live in properties that have not only physically unsafe to approach but are so filthy that when it comes time to clean them out the crews have to wear hazmat suits. One house had a gallon pickle jar filled with dead roaches on the porch. Somebody lived in that house and thought that was a logical thing to do. People like me are tasked with first contact.

Evictions are expensive and time-consuming. Ultimately once the process gets that far there isn't much that can be done to prevent it. You didn't pay your mortgage, the lender gets the house back. There are an infinite number of reasons why the mortgage couldn't be paid, some are more sympathetic than others, but in the end you will be leaving the property willingly or not. The lawyers handle the evictions - they churn through the paperwork in the background, ten thousand properties at a time. They have it down to rote function based on templates, personal experience with the various judges and intimate knowledge of the federal, state and municipal laws, along with dealing with the occasional sheriff who refuses to evict somebody, the informal policies established by the local judges and a myriad of other problems that can arise. As a business decision many lenders have determined that it is cheaper to settle with the occupants - instead of going through the formal eviction they will offer cash. In exchange for surrendering a property in reasonably clean condition with the furnace still hooked up, the kitchen not stripped and the basement not intentionally flooded the lender will cut the occupants a check. It costs much less than an eviction, provides reasonable hope that the plumbing won't freeze and can take a fraction of the time to obtain possession. This is where the personal element becomes real.

Some people jump at the chance. They don't want to live here anymore. They may be getting married and moving in but couldn't sell the unneeded house. They have a new job across the country, they're moving to the other side of the planet. They were renting and found a better place in a neighborhood where the thieves don't grin at them through the kitchen window while they disconnect a running air conditioner knowing that the average response time for the police is measured in weeks for a call like that. The cash is a down payment, a security deposit (since their landlord never returns theirs), or maybe a moving van. These are the best cases. Sometimes they are happy to hear from me. Other times, not so much.

When I make first contact and explain that the lender is offering them money to leave sometimes they tell me that they haven't slept for months, knowing that something was going to happen but never knowing if tomorrow was the day when somebody kicked in their door and threw their kids out on the lawn. Their lenders won't tell them anything, they have nothing to go on but horror stories from other people that they never knew. It never occurred to them that they should call an attorney and ask what was going on. I can be the first people to discuss their situation who isn't a debt collector: you can hear the release of a massive weight in their voice. It isn't much, but at least it is something.

Or they can get angry and defensive, tell me that they were never foreclosed on, tell me that I am trespassing and owe them $5,000 in "land use fees" for "using" their property as I walk to the front door. They threaten to sue, they threaten to call the cops, they say I should look under my car before I start it from now on. They send letters written in various forms of English - one time scribed in crayon - detailing their rights and how I am violating some maritime treaty from the 1700s. In my travels I have learned that if you copyright your name you can't be named in any kind of legal action, if you never write down your ZIP code then you aren't a resident of the United States and that if I tell somebody that their lender is offering them money to vacate while leaving the staircase (yes, these get stolen) and driveway (yes, these get stolen) in place then I am guilty of slave trading under some United Nations something or other.

For those who reject the deal, nothing changes. They don't lose any rights and it isn't counted against them in any way - neither the lawyers nor the courts care because the lenders don't have to offer anything - the eviction process continues. I listen to the stories why they can't/won't take the deal. They can't afford anything else. They don't have anywhere else to go. They want to make the eviction as expensive as possible. They're going to get "a big settlement" from some vague lawsuit any day now. They want their kids to finish out the school year. They intend to take the furnace as soon as they find a new house. All kinds of reasons. Some are heartbreaking, others not so much.

For those who do take the deal, at the appointed date and time I meet them at their former home. I walk the yard and enter every room. I open every drawer and cupboard making sure the house is clean and doesn't have old engines, toxic chemicals or dead dogs lingering anywhere. Sometimes the kids are there, maybe waiting in the car, maybe not. I see the marks on the wall showing how the kids grew over the years. I see the anguished poetry scribbled on the wall by stoned teenagers and the occasional hole punched in the wall. One woman handed me the key to her reinforced bedroom door - during the divorce her now ex-husband was still living in the house and she had to barricade herself in at night. Another said "right there is where I found my son - he couldn't handle losing the house".

Sometimes they don't want the money and don't want to be evicted so they sign a waiver stating that everything left inside can be disposed of. Hospital beds. Oxygen tanks and wheelchairs. Hundreds of boxes of shoes. A mannequin. A 2nd grader's homework portfolio. A wedding album filled with pictures with one person torn out. Get rich quick "business plans". 40 years worth of drafting documents. To the lenders and the lawyers, these things don't exist - they close the file and order a trashout. Sometimes I linger as I check the basement for mold and lead. I am the final period on so many significant chapters. To most other people it is just part of the job but in so many other universes this is where I ended up. There is no difference between myself and these people other than the intangible twists of experience.

And so I listen. I feign dispassion but I'm not fooling anybody. Somehow they can tell that I care and thank me even as they admit that it isn't my fault, that it isn't my responsibility to listen. I've stood inside another's dream for an hour as they spoke, not really to be heard but to say goodbye - to leave the ghosts behind.

They go to the car and return with the openers.

The keys are peeled from a ring.

They thank me. Sometimes they cry.

And they're gone.

I wait for their car to vanish before I put up the sign. To most everybody else it is just another house on just another block in just another city in just another financial catastrophe.

But I was there. I saw the dream end.

But at least I don't make them turn out the lights one last time as they leave.

That's my job.