American Dream Or Nightmare?

By David Ellis

The American dream has always been one of prosperity and security. Owning a home and having your own space. In recent years the real estate industry has seen more of those dream turn into nightmares then was thought possible. Foreclosures are at an all time high and people are losing their homes, mostly due to poor planning and loan programs that make it difficult for owners to make their payments. Many of these loans are adjustable rate mortgages that can rise drastically without notice. Buyers are taking these loans because with the rising cost of housing it is becoming harder and harder to secure the traditional FRM amortized loans.

The fact that skyrocketing home prices in national hot-spots have considerably reduced the number of buyers who are capable of purchasing a home is something that deserved close scrutiny. The simple truth is that if home prices continue to increase and wages do not then this market will grow even slimmer. It is becoming ever more expensive to live these days, the prices of everything seem to be rising while wages and what the average Joe is paid remains the same. As anyone can see this does not create a great situation. So what can the average Joe to fend off this kind of heartbreaking situation? Well to start with you should really be aware of your financial situation. Don't overload yourself with monthly bills and try to keep your expenditures reasonable. When it comes time to get a home loan make sure you find a fixed rate mortgage that will keep your payments the same for the duration of the loan. Be careful of ARM's and balloon mortgages. These interest rates and monthly payments can change for the worse in the blink of an eye and you can suddenly be looking at paying an extra 40 to 50 percent per month.

Sitting down with a financial planner before making a home purchase is a great idea. Come to terms with what is available to you and what is not. These professionals are trained to help you get your monetary world into better focus. They are also great for exploring your mortgage options and other ways of better equipping yourself for home buying. Don't let your dream turn into a nightmare. Plan ahead and be ready for anything.

David Ellis is a realtor specializing in St. George, UT real estate. David's dedication to customer service and knowledge of the Southern Utah real estate market that makes him the smart choice when thinking about a move to Utah. Contact David today for information on the growing home market in Utah or visit online at http://www.davidellisrealtor.com

The American Dream - Now a Nightmare

By Arleen Kaptur

Sugar and spice is suppose to be a part of a child's dream. Today the dreams of the little ones are of fear of going to school, and fear that the government will take their mom or dad and send them far away, sometimes they will not come back.

For adults, dreams are a chance to live out hopes, and ideals. Once again, the dreams of yesterday are only a memory, while those of today are a mixed basket of lies, gluttony for power, and executive privileges that would have rocked the world of the Stalin/Hitler eras. But sad to say, the dreams of the American people now cause them to wake up in a sweat and a state of panic. Foreclosures of homes are at an all time high, food prices have skyrocketed to the degree that a human need now has become a budget problem. Jobs are not secure and neither are the borders. Education depends on money, not on the quest for knowledge or paving the way for the future of our young ones. Children face metal detectors and drills for possible school shootings. Quite a change from the ideal - schools being a place to learn and grow not to study in fear and trepidation.

Is the American dream lost forever? Does this generation as well as future generations have to face nightmarish news and futile struggles to survive and enjoy everyday living? The answer lies in the hearts of every American - if you give up your rights to the American dream, then expect the nights to be long and torrid. When daybreak comes instead of sunrises and cool breezes, the heat of government oppression by evoking unheard-of powers, and the hunger of huge corporations for profits that are a national disgrace when families are made to do without, children are hungry, and the elderly suffer for lack of funds to buy medication, is a devastating way to start the day.

There can be awesome sunrises and brilliant sunsets in the future of America - it will take courage, strength and the intent of all the people. Party politics must be laid aside and the "cream of the crop" must be picked and placed in the White House. The current administration's legacy is filled with doom and gloom but rainbows have been known to appear after the most terrific storms. Something to think about.

©Arleen M. KapturJuly, 2007

Arleen M. Kaptur has written many books and articles on everyday living and finding peace and joy in all we do.