In a panic - flat about to be reposessed

[Deleted User]

Volunteering would help you get "up-to-date" work experience and a current reference, which you have mentioned is a reason that many agencies are turning you away.

Additionally, it will get you out of the house and doing something rewarding and purposeful which might improve your mood a bit.

Cool_Chick

Hmm, ok, you've brought me round to your volunteering idea! I'll contact some animal shelters and see what happens.

Regarding the spare room, it really wouldn't rent. My flat is falling to bits. The spare bedroom is tiny but ok. But the kitchen and bathroom should've been replaced when I moved in. Everything leaks and is falling apart. It's more a health hazard. Oven doesn't close properly, shower falls down, all taps leak constantly, some bulbs are broken but too high to reach (even with a ladder) to replace, etc.

And the whole place is freezing. The windows are so old and broken. I keep the heating on at minimum, and just have lots of warm spots for my cat.

It would never rent out in this state.

whitewing

Sometimes with our stuff, I am so busy noticing the faults that I don't give it the proper perspective. Then I don't make the best of what it good.

Can you give it a good clean and tidy up? Is it neglected beyond what money can be afforded? The exercise of a big tidy up will help keep you warm. Do you have much 'stuff' or is it pretty empty?

pinkladyof66

Gosh where are you living then that a flat (so run down like you describe) is worth 300k you say it is pokey and small but is it really worth that much i personally would sell up and move. I sold my house when i was in financial mess caused by ex boyfriend and best thing i done it was such a relief and i rented for a while til i met my now husband and moved in with him - all my equity paid off my debts so i can out with nothing but it was such a relief and i am sure it would be for you too. Maybe you could do a long term rent on a caravan. You could then take your cat and there would be more than enough space for you both and it would be cheap to run Good luck and I do hope you are in a better place soon.

dancingfairy

Hi CoolChick, sorry to hear you're going through such a rough time. it sounds like you had very productive day though.
With regards to options regarding the house here are a few:
1) sell at auction (with a reserve if you feel it necessary).
2) sell via estate agent
3) Stop paying the mortgage or whatever anyway and save whatever bits and bobs you can and wait for eviction. Now I've no doubt this will be scary but surely you'll then qualify for help because you're homeless and you'll get access to more benefits like housing benefit etc?

You really need to speak to someone in the know regarding all the options because you do have options. Keep on bashing that phone to get hold of Shelter because this is what they do best. They can help you.

If you have to go bankrupt for any shortfall on the house, then so be it. It isn't a fun experience I don't doubt but on the bankruptcy board there are many who have come through it and some come back several years later to report how much things have improved for them, so it can be done. You may not be able to work in your old sector but frankly if it restores your health and is a sensible viable option for you then hey.

Volunteering is brilliant, it brings some structure into your life, it doesn't cost much (you normally get expenses) and you get out and about and meet some lovely people. If you can get to your local volunteer beaura or serach online for doit and you will see there are 10's if not hundreds of places near you who would love you to assist in any way you can. It also breaks that horrid cycle of sitting around feeling rubbish and those thoughts growing in your head.

With regards to selling the flat have you had a look on rightmove, findaproperty, zoopla etc to try and get an idea what your property is worth?

Anyway, there are so many things you can do from here, and even one would help you on your way.

Best of Luck
df

dancingfairy

P.S Volunteering with animals sounds great. They have no doubt been let down by humans in the past so a little bit of love and attention will go along way. Not only that but they don't question you or answer back and will give you so much love.
df

grey_gym_sock

dancingfairy wrote: »

P.S Volunteering with animals sounds great. They have no doubt been let down by humans in the past so a little bit of love and attention will go along way. Not only that but they don't question you or answer back and will give you so much love.
df

on the other hand, your cat might be jealous

Cool_Chick

Thank you both.

My flat is approx 900 sq ft - a victorian house conversion across 3 floors. Very close to Fulham Broadway tube in London. Chelsea border. So the price is mostly due to the location. I got it cheap as it needed all this work done, but I never could afford to do it up. So it's really on its last legs.

It needs around £15k- £20k spent on it to make it decent - new kitchen, new bathroom, level the floors, replace windows, sprucing up. I've had quotes.

I know it won't rent but I'll ask the Estate Agent too this week.

Mrs_Z

Another vote here for volunteering and definitely with one of the animal charities! Not sure in which area you are but Celia Hammond might also be one you wish to try.

The best bit about volunteering is that it will get you out of the house and into a some sort of routine. And once you're out there, don't forget to maximise the opportunity - talk to everyone and drop it into a conversation that you need to earn few extra bobs and willing to tackle any odd jobs.

That's how I found my very first job, I was down to having enough money left for 2 weeks rent and then someone who I didn't even know got a message back to me that there was a job going in a shop. And that was me literally telling everyone that I was desperate for a job and asking my friends also to ask anyone if they knew of anything going around. It works!

Cool_Chick

Haha grey gym sock!

That did cross my mind! I was going to take him with me so that he can see how lucky he actually is. Either that or I'll adopt a whole lot more. Heaven!