Monday, 27 July 2009

  • Selfless Offer...Can I Retract?

    During this recession, people are losing their homes left and right. My family is not immune to this travesty. My brother, his wife, and their 2 small children are in the process of filing for bankruptcy and having their home foreclosed.

    Prior to the recession, they've made plenty of poor decisions. They both dropped out of college to work full-time because they liked the idea of having a fat paycheck every 2 weeks. They both would buy things on their credit cards and pay the minimum balance. When they were both working as realtors (prior to the recession), instead of saving the money that they were making, they went on extravagant vacations. They invested in bad business ideas. You know those catalogs where you can order junk (e.g. ornaments, kids toys, stickers, etc.)? Well, he paid ;for a membership to sell those crap at a mark-up. The idea was that he would pay for the items at membership cost and keep the profit from the mark-up. "YOU CAN BE A MILLIONAIRE LIKE ME IN 3 MONTHS!" Idiot. There are many other examples, but as I'm thinking about it, I'm starting to get a bit annoyed.

    My fiance and I have been looking to buy a home. My mom begged me to help my brother out. I agreed to help. That's what families are for, right? So as we're home searching with my sister-in-law (since she still had her realtor license), we had to keep in mind that a family of 4 will be staying with us temporarily. This is our first home and the buying process has been stressful, to say the least. I expressed my concern to my fiance and my sister-in-law, noting that I know that my fiance and I are not ready to buy a home, but we will since "it's a buyer's market". Instead of treating me like family, my SIL said "Well, what does that mean? Are you still going to buy the home? I need to know what you're going to do?" That just irked me on so many levels. A couple of days later, we were at their home signing documents. I told him that I was worried and scared about buying a home. My SIL rolled her eyes and just looked annoyed. WTH.

    In the months that we've been house hunting, we've treated them out to dinners, we've babysat the kids, and we've bought gifts for the kids. We wanted to show our appreciation for them "helping" us out. Lately, I've been feeling like my SIL is taking advantage of our generosity. For example, she wanted to go to the county fair. Instead of asking us if we could take her and the kids, she fed her 5-year-old daughter the lines "Auntie, can you take us to the OC Fair?" over the phone to ask me. If she wanted something, she would ask her daughter "Do you want ****?" When her daughter would excitedly nod, she'd tell her daughter to go ask her auntie. Another thing that irks me is their parenting skills, or lack thereof. We went to Norms, at the "request of" her daughter. SIL ordered the pancakes for her daughter and gave her the entire lump of butter for one pancake. I looked over and saw my niece licking the butter off her fork, dipping it back in the butter, then licking it again. I told my niece that's too much butter. SIL said "Yeah. She likes it." Unbelievable. They give their children options: "Do you want to eat hamburgers or hot dogs?" (This will determine if we're going to McDonald or Wienerschnitzel.) When they start whining, they get ice cream to shut them up. These aren't the only issues, but I'll try to wrap this up.

    So we've bought a house, in a neighborhood that we don't want to live in, because it was big enough for all of us to live there, it was in our price range, and it was "safe" (according to the  Megan's Law website). In the last couple of weeks, I've decided that I really don't think that it would be a good idea for them to move in with us. I don't think I can handle much more of this bullcrap. I love my family and I want to help, but they're driving me crazy! AND THEY HAVEN'T EVEN MOVED IN YET. Oh yeah, we're going to be newlyweds, my nephew has severe allergies, and my SIL is on anti-depressant meds. Fun.

    Can I retract my offer? What do I do? (Sorry for the ramblings. I've been stressed.)

Comments (49)

  • MissPixieGlitter@xanga

    that's a tough one; it's always tough with in-laws. i don't think you should retract the offer because though SIL is annoying you, consider your brother and his kids. assuming there are no other relatives to whom they can turn, i think the well-being of your family outeighs your frustration with his ungrateful wife. speaking of whom, perhaps she's acting this way because she can't cope very well with the loss of her home. she's losing her house and helping you buy yours; i'm sure it must be difficult. i do think you should set ground rules before the move and tell your brother about what his wife is doing. best of luck!

  • Honey14

    I don't think that retracting that kind of an offer is really in your best interest.  You've agreed to help provide shelter for an entire family, which is one of the basic necessities of life. 

    I do, however, believe that it's in your best interest to set some ground rules BEFORE they move in.  You and your fiance should draw up a list of expectations for them; if they are going to be living with you, they should be contributing, and they should know that this new living situation is not a permanent solution.  You wrote that they will be staying with you temporarily; how long a period of time do you expect that to be, and how long is the greatest amount of time that you're willing to allow that to be?  If they see an expiration date on the horizon, that might encourage your sister-in-law to behave a bit more graciously and both she and your brother to make better decisions.  Will they be expected to help pay any bills, and if so, which ones?  How big of a portion?  What chores around the house will you need help getting done with four extra people to take care of?  Will you be eating out often, or do you expect to cook and eat healthy meals at home?

    These are all things to keep in mind.  Yes, they are your family, and that is incredibly important, but sometimes the best way to help your family is to be a little stern.  You signed contracts when you got the house, so take a cue from that exercise and draw up the expectations in a contract between yourself, your fiance, your brother, and your sister-in-law.  Have the four of you all sign it and date it.  Don't negotiate on the terms that you believe are important.  That way your SIL knows that you're serious and won't tolerate being taken advantage of. 

    Also, if she's using her children to get you to do things you don't want to, you should be forthright about how you feel.  Spell it out for her; tell her in no uncertain terms that you don't appreciate her using her daughter to manipulate you instead of asking you herself.  If they're living on your dime, then they have to play by your rules, which makes it absolutely okay for you to say No.

    Good luck.

  • Shy___Away@xanga

    Wow, that sounds terrible. I'd have to say please set groundrules for your sister in law, especially. Tell them you can't afford to take everybody out now that you have a house payment, and that money is just too tight. 

  • xjadersx@xanga

    Holy crap.

    This is a tough situation. Your SIL sounds kind of like a bitch. You need to tell her "If you are going to be living with me, you need to go by my rules. I have helped you a lot so you need to respect me." She needs to have some rules, and she needs to have rules for her children.

    If you don't get this worked out by the time you are getting married, I would suggest trying to get them to find someone else to go to.

  • CircularParade83@xanga

    Have you closed on the house?  Can you get out of it?  Seriously, that is WAAAAY taking advantage of you.  I'd let them fall on their faces, and take the kids in to live with me if they were facing homelessness, but let the parents suffer.  But I'm a jerk like that.


    I would just really REALLY hate for this to in any way put a strain on your relationship and impending marriage.  That would be awful to have it fall apart before you've really started your lives together.


  • graywolf0@xanga

    you are just too generous..


    when money is involved, there's never a happy ending.

  • aiwnt2BwreUR@xanga

    Look. It's your house, your life, and really.. your own home. If you're not going to be comfortable in your own home, what`s the point? You should just tell them it's done. Talk to your fiance. How does he feel about all this? I mean, it's his house too. On top of all that, you don't need this stress on top of the wedding.

    Family is family, but you have to consider your home life. You've done more than enough up until this point.

    If you find that kicking them out is too much, I think you should set some ground rules. They're living in YOUR house. Don't let them take advantage of you!

  • methodElevated@xanga

    Devise a plan and a time line for them to get their own place.  Put it in writing and have them sign it.  Don't retract on the offer, but if they fail to even try to live up to the agreed terms in the allotted time span, you can feel justified in kicking them out.

  • GaMeGurLsH@xanga

    It's kinda hard to retract your offer, especially since he's your brother. your sil might be a big pain in the butt but she's who your brother picked to be with him for the rest of his life. you should talk to your brother. and if you don't want ot do something (drive them to places, treat them to dinners/things), just say so....gotta be adamant, don't be a doormat.

  • atmaster@xanga

    haven't you talked to your fiance about this?

  • JustGoneCrazy

    @atmaster@xanga - My fiance is an incredible man. I've talked to him about this and his response was "They're family. We have to help them." He understands the stress that this situation is creating, but he also know that we have the capabilities to help them.


    @CircularParade83@xanga - We're closing in a few days. We can't back out. Even if we could, my fiance would not want to. Plus, my SIL is on anti-depressant meds. I would hate for any of our actions to trigger her depression and cause her to do something stupid to herself, my bro, or my niece & nephew.


    My SIL hasn't always been this "irritating." I guess the strain of the bankruptcy, being a stay-at-home mom, having to depend on family, etc. has been getting to her ... and she's taking it out on us. I'm sad about this situation, but I am thankful that I am not in their situation. I know I can't/shouldn't retract our offer especially since that would put a huge strain on our family relationships. I am dreading move-in day ... but I keep trying to look towards the positive side: 1) I'm getting married to a man who cares deeply about the well-being of my family 2) I'm a home-owner 3) I am financially stable enough to pay my bills 4) I am not going through this alone.


    Thanks for the advices. I'll definitely talk to my fiance about ground rules that we'll put on paper so that we're all on the same page, but that brings up a couple of questions: How do I go about setting an "expiration date" on their stay without offending them? How much rent should I charge a family who's in bankruptcy? Do I need to label food: "MINE"?

  • eatdrinkandbemaryy@xanga

    that is terribly annoying. i would confront her and her husband both with all your problems. she's taking advantage of you, and you need to let her realize that you're doing this out of generosity, not obligation. she has no right to roll her eyes at you.

  • atmaster@xanga

    @JustGoneCrazy - that doesn't sound like talking haha. it just sounds like him making a decision. have him read this post and see what he has to say. it's obviously something that's affecting you a lot, and could potentially cause major problems as soon as you all move in together.

  • TheLoveMuse@xanga

    @JustGoneCrazy - I would draw up a tenant agreement with them just as if they were paying rent, but their rent would be $0 (or whatever you are charging them).  I think it is fair to ask them to contribute to utilities (split it based on number of people - they pay 4/6 because there are 4 of them and 2 of you), but keep rent free.  As @Honey14 says, you need to set rules such as who buys groceries, who is responsible for what chores and upkeep of the house and property, cleaning, cooking and damage to the house. 
    The most important thing to decide is how long they will be staying there.  Confirm in writing how long they need (this can be negotiated, but must be a date) and hold them to it.  They should have a plan to get back on their feet and must be able to stick to it.  You do have a responsibility to help them, BUT if they don't do their part then you are perfectly within your rights to stop helping them.

  • futilityofdelight@xanga

    How about set down some ground rules first? Tell them if they want to move in it is your house, you aren't trying to be a controlling bitch, but that to maintain order and sanity,  _____ is going to have to be understood, and followed. Be calm and rational about what you need, and what they will need. Just be fair, and firm.

  • S0N1@xanga
  • jebdereb14@xanga

    your house. your rules. you don't owe them squat, don't feel intimidated.

  • Ampbreia@xanga

    Don't let them move in with you.  It would be too much stress on both you and your new marriage and they won't learn a thing if they can just fall back on you. 

  • coconut_dream@xanga

    Maybe you should talk to your brother about his wife`s behavior. That is no way to treat anyone, much less someone that is going to temporarily allow you to live in their house. THEY should be babysitting YOUR kids, if you had any.
    Make sure you set the ground rules, and make sure all four of you adults are present while they are being discussed. And make sure they`re typed out on paper too, so they know you`re taking it seriously.
    Good luck with your sister-in-law; she reminds me of a witch..

  • jeezshoua@xanga

    @JustGoneCrazy - Talking about expiration date is a sticky one but of course, someone has to do it.  They can't live with you forever and a couple and a newly wed does need some privacy in their own home.  If not, hell is going to break loose someday.

    I would seriously sit down and talk with them about this.  My max would be six month but that's just me.  If any longer than six months, it will drive me insane.  Sorry, but with everything going downhill the way it is, you have to find any job you can take even if you don't like it just to put a roof over your head and food on the table for your family.  Hopefully this experience would teach them how to manage their money skills.

    Charging a family who's in bankrupty?  Honestly, if they're not making any money, they better contribute someway in the house.  Either help you with the chores, buy and make dinner once a while, or just do something thoughtful for your fiance and you to show you their appreciation.  I mean, these things that I list are just common courtesy and any person who wants to show you their appreciation shouldn't have a problem with it.

    As far as labeling food, I would say that's a no-no.  You could do that to roommates but family?  No.  I mean, it would be kind of ridiculous making a big scene of who ate your yogurt and so forth in front of everyone.  That'll make you look greedy and the evil eye monster.

    Living with someone else is not an easy task and things will blow up from time to time especially if it involves money but just hang in there!  The time will eventually come when you will have your own privacy to your own home!  And I would seriously let them know there have to be respect shown to your fiance and you when you guys do move in together.

    Good luck.

  • oOBuBBLes711Oo@xanga

    You can retract.

    It was their fault they are losing their home. Tell them to stay at a hotel for a few months.....till they get back on their feet. Dont they even feel bad for moving in with you? 1 person..ok...2 ppl....aiiiiight...but a family?! When youve just gotten married?! Whats wrong with them. Tell them to move to her parents house...HEr side can help out.

    MOre importantly.......you and your future husband's happiness. Its a time for you guys to be in love, start and share you life together. Your husband is your immediate family now. Him FIRST.

  • thisboyissexy@xanga

    If I was in your position, I'll sit down with the brother and his wife and tell them what I will do for them and what I expect from them.

    " I understand your financial situation.  I hope to see you getting back on your feet before Little Johnny turns 8.  To help you save money, I don't ask for any rent money and I don't want you to help pay for the electricity and water bills either.  If you want to give me a helping hand, keep the house clean for me and I'll be happy.

    Now, I hope you understand my financial situation too. I can provide a place to live, but I cannot afford the grocery bills. We can either pool money and eat together or we can keep that separate. That is up to you. Also, I love my nephew and niece. They are important to me. Please do not use the little ones to ask me for this or that. I don't mind helping to provide their needs, but I will absolutely not spend frivolously  for their wants.

    You are in a difficult time of your life and we will be supportive. However, if I feel something is wrong, I will tell you. Keep that in mind."

    You can customize the above paragraph to your needs. "Little Jonny" and the "age" can be edited. Your rules about the bills and rent can be easily changed.

    Think about what you expect from them and what you are willing to do for them. Then, go ahead and meet with your brother and sister-in-law.

  • JessxMaxine@xanga

    why can't they just stay with your parents?

    xo

  • UnopenedSuitcases@xanga

    even though your SIL is being a btch. think about your brother, and your niece/nephew. I mean it'd be ashame for them to end up on the street just because of your SIL. just be nice, and deal with it for a little bit.

  • testubebaby@xanga

    make up a few problems of your own and tell them you won't be able to juggle it all with them in the mix. lying's not great but it solves your problems

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