Merry Christmas !

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Thank you especially to those that have sent me Christmas cards, cakes and mince pies ! Much appreciated - as my ever increasing waistline will confirm.

And of course my thanks go to the genorous guys at Moray Rentals who have enabled me to write this blog, using their wi-fi connection, knowledge base and expertise.

They've made an old man very happy and I've really enjoyed writing this and chatting with them over the last year - I will continue to do so, as long as people are willing to read my opions and ramblings !

I'll be back early in the new year. I'm spending Christmas with my family in America - The best present I could wish for.

Hope yours may be just as enjoyable !

Until next year.

Mr Jackson.

At risk of losing your home ?

It's a sad fact that there's a lot of people out there who are struggling to keep up their repayments in these somewhat unusual times.

If you are at risk of losing your home, there are other options for you to consider before jumping for a “quick sale” company that will offer you up to 80% of your homes value - that may hurt more than help.

Here are some things to consider for keeping your house if you are struggling at the moment :

Communicate with your lender- this is the first and most important step. Your problems begin at the first time you miss a payment but often they will work with you if you communicate with them. There are situations where you can seek extensions or other arrangements may be available but you cannot seek these options if you don’t communicate.

• Set up short term repayment plan to make up the deficit.


• Add the unpaid balance to the principal of the loan and slightly increase your payments to make up the difference.


• Temporarily reduce or waive your payments.


• Offer a deal in lieu of foreclosure.


• Consider a legitimate credit counseling service.


• Consider your refinance options.


• Consider government aid options (more about this later)


• Before you think your only option is a “quick sale” company, make sure you take time to research other possibilities.

The Government can help too.

Recently the Government announced to the banks that they will be helping people who are in danger of losing their property for non payment. It’s possible you could qualify for one of these programs or for some type of government assistance to help you keep your home.

Before you run out for a quick sale option, get all of the facts. Beware of the “quick sale” companies, regardless of what you may have heard or what they may promise they can do for you. If you’re in danger of losing your property due to non payment or just seeking to sell your home quickly, consider all the options you have first.

Like me, I'm sure you would carefully consider the sweet trolley and the prices before deciding upon the Double chocolate Gateau. Rather than selecting the day old Battenburg, at a premium price, without considering what else is on offer. (Most quick sell companies can be likened to the latter.....).

Lets be careful out there !

Mr Jackson