Where Will We Live :(

[Patch]

most of the ads i can see , they want a credit check.
so ,how can you rent with bad credit?

[b_girl]

I'm a landlord and I don't do credit checks. We just confirm employment with paystubs and also check with local law enforcement about any individuals wanting to rent from us (it's necessary where we live...long story).

[csrhjr31]

My husband and I are in a similar situation. We are leaving our "dream" home due to being so upset down, wanting a fresh start. I get sad when I think about it, but we found another nice home to rent. It isn't as large with as many upgrades, but it is a home that we should actually be in. Unlike the "dream" home we are in and completely over extending ourselves for.

We are doing a lease/purchase from a private owner. I am not sure what state you are in, but we used two search engines that have an option for rental homes.

https://www.realtor.com

https://www.bairdandwarner.com

Good luck!

[mommyto3+1]

I live in MI

[AngelinaCatHub]

Thank you everyone.

I was just talking with DH and he feels if we do rent we will never be able to buy a home again since I credit will be destroyed and that renting is just throwing money out the window. Owning is an investment. However I explained that our house is too much for us financially and I just want this weight lifted.

Hey 'Mom': After bk, your credit will actually become better. You cannot bk again for I think 8 years. So, most of us who are here are not here because of a house or car payment. We are here for those easy to get it now and mortgage the future CC cards. Now after your discharge, you may be on top. Another suggestion, find a nice place with perhaps a "Contract for Deed". That equates to 'rent to own'. I did this with land some time ago. It was quite well for me. 'Hub

[Cali]

In my area everyone does a credit check before they rent to you. I paid 1st month and security deposit which was more than rent.

I found my place through a Realtor.

Craiglist, classifieds of your local paid and free paper, and check those rental magazines that you see in supermarkets, etc.

Good luck.

[Phillymanhere]

Looking ahead of time is good, because you can get a really good sense of the market, of what's available, what the going prices are, etc.

You'll see certain neighborhoods and the price ranges in those neighborhoods. Starting early can be really helpful.

[Frogge]

I just wanted to add something about the kids, since I know that's the main concern. My little ones (6 & 8) have moved 3 times since they were born ..I was scared as they got older it would be traumatizing for them, but they have really surprised me with their resilience. They embrace it as an adventure and have adapted very quickly.

Another thing, the last 2 moves we made were made in an effort to seek relief from our financial struggles, so I know that I put a lot of my own worries, feelings of failure, etc. into the equation and made it seem worse than it was. Meaning that, the kids didn't see any of that, just that we were doing something 'new'.

As far as your kids are concerned, YOU are their home, not the place you reside.

[JRScott]

I'm glad you got some good responses here. Yes it can be rough moving but in the end it is for the best. Kids adapt better than us grown ups usually .

It is not to early to start looking and checking what's available. Planning is key to bankruptcy .

Good luck to everyone

[PoorGrammyinBK7]

Friends of mine filed Chapter 7 in 2005 - old law. Sold their house in late 2006, bought 5 acres out in the country and moved into a 2-bedroom apartment (family of 4) for about 6 months while building their new house. Got a construction loan and when it was done, last summer (2007) they refinanced (100% loan - the land was the equity). I think their rate is around 7%.

[southernbelle]

I just looked on Craigslist and found an AWESOME home for a decent monthly rent. Should I even be looking now am I just jumping the gun so to speak?

http://detroit.craigslist.org/apa/738135729.html

Here it is...

There are plenty of people out there that will rent to you if you are honest and upfront with them. I was facing that delima myself when I filed and didn't know if I would lose my home. It's in a decent area and the mortgage is reasonable. Also rental properties here are scarce due to hurricane Katrina.

Anyway, I read your post on finding a rental on Craigslist which is great, but keep in mind that there is a possible scam I read about a few months ago and I just thought I'd mention so that you can protect yourself.

The scam is: you contact a private person to rent a home and pay the first and last months rent plus any deposits. They are secretly in foreclosure and you are unaware of it until there is a knock at the door from the bank telling you to move. Meanwhile the people you paid are long gone. They walked away leaving you holding the bag.

I was flagergasted when I read about this scam on this Forum. How low can some people stoop. I don't want to rain on any parades, but I felt it was necessary to inform you guys of this scam because it is so unfair to take advantage of people like that. I don't exactly know how you can protect yourself in this case, but JUST BE CAREFUL. Everything will work out, just don't be too hasty to rent from just anyone.