A House Update

Well, quite frankly--the nightmare continues. Since I'm in somewhat of a cynical mood, I will include my editorial comments in italics.

Last week we had a meeting at the Emergency Services building in town with some geological/survey/land folks from Atlanta. They were here to tell us that our area has been declared and rezoned a repetitive flood zone (geesh, we could have told them that; what took them so long?). They were explaining what this all meant--namely, that we could all qualify for flood insurance (been there, done that), and perhaps down the road with repetitive flood claims we would qualify for some help or buy-out program from the state (this last flood and the 2 previous floods in 1984 and 1986 don't count). Of course, this will help if everyone in the neighborhood buys flood insurance. I've already spoken with one homeowner who was affected by all three floods (could only access her house by boat, but the water has never gone higher than her garage) and she doesn't see the need for the insurance. Unfortunately, that means that she along with the greater number of neighbors who have not been damaged by the flood water will probably not buy flood insurance and any future flood claims will not be enough to flag any assistance (ho hum).

Our mortgage company is waiting for Freddie Mac (don't even start me on this one---I already ranted to my mortgager that I was already paying to bail them out with this 780 billion dollar governmental bailout---the person on the other end of the phone was silent while I "blew") to decide what they are going to require us to do with our insurance monies. THEY HAVE HAD THIS MONEY SINCE OCTOBER 14th!!!). We have been waiting 2 MONTHS for some relief and resolve! I have ranted, yelled, begged, pleaded, cried, and been nice----nothing is working. Now I am calling them everyday!! I figure if I can get them sick of me, maybe they will pester Freddie Mac (and no, they will not allow me to call Freddie Mac myself). This morning I called and the gal said "I think their problem is that there will be a balance on your mortgage still if the monies are applied"----(and the problem IS???????????????? I told her that "gee, I think we would continue---as stellar clients with outstanding credit-----to pay on the mortgage as contracted until the loan was satisfied".)

And, no, an attorney cannot help us. We are just powerless right now! It is so aggravating to say the least!

Then there is the personal property claim monies---with the hurricane that hit Texas just after us, the claim is in a pile with about 300 others in the claims office. They have had our report for 6 weeks! But, they promise it'll be done by Monday (heard that somewhere before). Actually our claims adjuster has been the only one who has really been upfront with us about everything.

Breathe, Linda, breathe...........easy, easy.......

And today I have the distinct pleasure of doling out $600 for TWO appraisals (but only one visit by the appraiser who I had to get outside of the county we live in). We have been requested to get a retroactive appraisal as to what the property was worth prior to the flood and now it's worth in it's current state. It has been raining cats and dogs all morning---hopefully the rains will let up while we are there.

Last weekend Dave opened up the house again, started up all the fans (again) and sprayed with fungicide that he has to do yet again. He also then made several trips to the dump...but the work continues...and will for several months. I have a new respect for disaster clean-ups.

In the meantime....it is the holidays....we are paying on two households (one mortgage, one rent plus all utilities)....and the expenses are piling out and our savings is almost completely depleted! The expenses associated with the clean-up and treatment of the property just never seem to end.

And did I mention that just before Thanksgiving that the compressor in the heat pump in our rental went out during some of the coldest 30 degree days? At least the landlord got to handle that one and the new compressor was installed on Thanksgiving day. Nothing like more fun...

Once again, I say, I would NEVER wish this flood experience on anyone! It has been an incredible challenge that will affect us for the rest of our lives. And we won't even discuss the losses in the stock market on all of our IRAs and 401Ks! At least with those, we have plenty of company! Sad, but true. I'm just reminded that Dave and I will be working until the end of our lives!

But...there are always blessings to be had:
Our health
Our safety
Great kids
Great grandkids
Family
Friends
Our faith
Our jobs

Thanks for letting me whine. I feel better now! Please help us pray that we (and others like us) get some resolution from the insurance and mortgage companies. The power of prayer is all we have right now!

Time for a post on Emily and Ethan......