Questions & Answers

A camping trip might be nice. Yosemite if you’re up to a little hiking to see the falls. Marine World would be good for a day trip. Santa Cruz would be fun. You can camp in Henry Coe or New Brighton Beach. At 3, the kiddy rides at the Boardwalk and playing in the sand would be memorable. Go on down to Monterey peninsula and go to the Aquarium.

Most managers/HR professionals will understand your situation. Ask if you can do an after hours interview. Explain to them that you don't have time off available and you're swamped at work (bonus points) so it's difficult to get out before 5 pm. Or ask for a lunch interview. HR understands your predicament and will usually be willing to accommodate. If you DO get an interview, let them know that you don't want to jeopardize your current position and you'd prefer they not contact them. Make sure you have plenty of other decent references to provide.

You're own financial situation should weigh more on your decision than talk about the economy. You've saved the money so you won' be going into debt. You've saved the money so the money isn't coming out of your house payment or bill money. You sound responsible with money so I suspect you are not draining your savings account to go. If all that is true then go. Why not? Enjoy yourself. Put a little money into the economy. If you have a real concern about losing your jobs in the not so distant future then you may want to reconsider. Otherwise don't let the sky is falling crowd stop you.

I have bought and sold many foreclosures. I started in the 1980's when many fewer people were doing it. The process varies from state to state. In both FL and NC the auctions are held on the courthouse steps, in the county seat. In FL, lets say the home is sold for $100K. If you don't research the title, you may be purchasing a second mtg. You would then be responsible for the first mtg and the second. It is very important to do your homework. Then, you will need 5% down in the form of cash or a chashiers check made payable to the clerk of the court. The balance will be due after 10 days also in the form of cash or cashiers check. Not very often, the owner will be able to hold off the foreclosure process in that 10 day period by filing for chapter 7, 9, 11, or 13. When that happens, the courts will refund you your money but it takes about 4-6 weeks. In NC, you also need 5% down on the day of the auction but now the 10 day period after the sale is open to anyone that wants to still put in an "upset bid". This process continues until a 10 day period goes by without anyone bidding again. Then the balance is due in the form of cash or cashiers check. All other mtg's are wiped clean in NC. The process is different from state to state. I would suggest you go to the courthouse and lookup the upcoming sales (they are posted somewhere just ask) and watch the process. Then, contact and pay an attorney for advice on how it works in the state you are in. I should say I have all but left the foeclosure business because of the volitility of the market. Be very careful, do your homework, and make sure you know what you are buying.