Changing Course

When things are not going right and we must turn the ship or change direction, the roughest sailing is when we are cross wind or cross current. Sometimes we find ourselves facing both cross winds and cross currents. That’s when the ride is the roughest. That may be where we are in our nation and our economy, particularly when we consider the problems resulting from high fuel costs and the resulting inflation of many things we must buy.  That includes mortgage loans, housing and the impact it has on financial institutions and local and state governments. Even churches and charities are feeling the impact. Some or all of these things have created turmoil in the lives of many of our neighbors. Let’s pray that we are at the stage of being cross wind and/or cross current as we must get there on the way to going in the other direction. I’m looking forward to smoother sailing realizing that course correction is necessary.

 Let’s look at what caused all the turmoil. Greed is probably at the root of many of the problems.  Few in our society are without fault. Easy credit sold by merchants and financial institutions and gobbled up by society obsessed with spending now without saving has put us here. We must change course.

Homebuilder and Contractor for all your new construction needs  - The Groce Companies. There is hope! People are driving less, delaying some purchases, and consuming less.

Banks are reviewing and revising their policies. Builders are focused on efficiencies both in their operations and their products. Yes, new homes are worth more but that may be a whole new story. Some people are actually saving more.

Congress has passed legislation offering help to first time home buyers, small businesses, and financial institutions. The North Carolina legislature recently passed laws aimed at helping families keep their homes.

Listed below are some of the places you may call if you are in danger of foreclosure:

• N.C.State Banking Commission, (919) 733-3016.
• Hope Now Hotline, (888) 995-4673 or www.hopenow.com
• Federal Housing Administration, www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/nsc/nschome.cfm
• N.C. Academy of Trial Lawyers, (800) 688-1413
• Legal Aid of North Carolina, (866) 219-5262.

We may have turned the ship but you can help. Pass the words of help and opportunity to any you suspect are in need of help or encouragement. No one wants to be rejected so many do not ask for the help they may be entitled to.

For the past 39 years the staff at The Groce Companies has helped consumers in central North Carolina design, build and secure financing to build or buy their homes.  We find many people who do not fully understand the home buying process.  If you are interested in attending a seminar on these issues call (919) 775-1497.  And visit our web site, www.grocecompanies.com where we will be posting this entire series of helpful hints.