Speaking of the real estate...

[MrsJJJ]

Adding to the forum of getting the house in order...upon abandoning me, the kids, his responsibilties, my H also abandoned his "legal" debt to the mortgage company, banks, and property tax. The house is in his name only and in our state, he alone is legally responsible for the debt. Although he said he would pay the mortgage when he first left, he has not. Here it is November and the house has now gone into default. He made the decision to "walk away" from the mortgage because he simply can not afford it and has already allowed the mortgage company begin proceedings to pursue a short term sale and/or face foreclosure. Mind you, he has not consulted me about this, the kids and I are still here, he has not consulted with an attorney based on the circumstances and/or filed for a "d."
Personally, I don't think the mortgage company knows he left us to fend for ourselves and has no clue we are in the dark. He has not verbally told me...I found out because I get the mail. Now, people are coming around taking photos of the house which had I not known why...I would feel like I am being stalked. Actually, we do. Having a business degree and an attorney, I am ahead of him. I have contacted real estate agents for their opinions why photos are being taken, what is our timeline before we see an eviction notice, etc.
With Christmas around the corner, the kids and I fear putting up a tree for fear it will be ruined at any given moment. At the same time, while my attorney says to stay in the marital home proving my commitment to the marriage, we feel like we are being forced to make a fast move with no warning. Emotionally, the kids and I know our holidays will be destroyed because any decorating may mean taking it down, worrying about a knock on the door to get out, fearing the bank closing in on us with photos, wanting to have access inside, expecting me to allow strangers to view the home for a potential sale....all the while seeing 'our" future ripped out of our souls.
As for moving, I have to stay within the same school district because my youngest just started high school. Without any financial assistance from him, I am paying for everything that requires both our income except the mortgage. My H couldn't at least wait until we were secure into something else first before making this choice. Although I am looking for something less expensive and much smaller because my kids are moving on....a real estate decision [within this market] needs some serious thought and what I can afford is a big question right now.
I have already told my attorney to request a block on any further actions regarding this mortgage based on the circumstances. My attorney has not even served my H with the summons for a divorce which my hope is to wake my H up...and none of this has to happen. My husband is obviously dragging his feet, why I don't know....somebody please tell me......if he obviously doesn't care if his family has a home or not.......but I had to make a legal decision for financial reasons. Our "marital" income he makes is being spent on him and "his" new life only.

Are there any real estate agents here that can add some expertise advise to this situation?

Whether to decorate or not?

[Upside]

Hi MrsJJJ-
I am not a real estate agent but I know with the real estate market the way it is, the last thing any bank wants is another foreclosed home sitting empty. IMO, you or your attorney should contact the bank to explain the situation and find out what your options are. Find out if there a way you can rent the house back from the bank until you find something within your price range.

Good luck.

[forward]

Mrs JJJ,
That sounds like a terribly tense situation.

In my humble opinion...put up the Christmas decorations as the season draws near. Yes, it would be hard emotionally to take them down, but it will mean something to the kids to have them there.

If you have to take them down, do it...and then put them up again wherever you move.

I guess the fact that they are Christmas decorations can also mean that you have hope and prayers, you know?

Try to keep things as normal as you can for the kids.