Ed Pool of Myrtle Point recently purchased a foreclosed home and the plight of the previous owner caused him to ponder a better way banks might do business.
It is time to change the game
Years ago I borrowed money to buy a house. I was under the illusion that I was working with a partner that was helping me to own a home and reach financial security. I didn’t realize that I was the pigeon in a casino that was betting on my failure. Now I know better.
I would like to believe that there are honest bankers that do want to improve their communities. If there are, we can change the outcome of our relation to financial organizations by changing the rules. We do not get what we deserve, only that which we agree to in our contracts. This nation would be in a completely different position if we had demanded that they deal with us in just a little bit different manner.
Lets assume that I go to my local Credit Union and establish a normal loan but we now make these provisions. We agree that if at any time it becomes apparent to me that I will be unable to continue making payments I can declare my problem to my financial partner and they can then take action depending on the situation. They can close the transaction by returning the equity accumulated in the loan and take immediate possession of the property (maybe allowing me to stay on as a renter) or they could begin making payments to me, returning the equity as in a reverse mortgage. This could allow me to avoid living on the street until my monetary condition improved and I could again resume making normal payments or sell my home and make other arrangements. Why should I agree to give up everything I have worked for because I become sick or lose my job?
This would require a continuing and direct involvement within our communities and prevent mortgages from being sold in derivatives. It might cause banks to stop making loans they know cannot be repaid. Maybe it will require us to create State Banks if the “to big to fail banks” refuse to change. No bank should have the right to take your property until they return the principal that you have paid. They have earned a fair profit on the interest payments.
Are there any money lenders that are willing to do an honest business and treat people fairly? Let’s see if we can find some and change who we do business with and the arrangements that are destroying lives and our country.
