Just received another request for £4k shortfall, comprising mostly of costs to shut up my house and solicitors costs. Do I contest, do I complete I&E sheets ? Do I make an offer of about £400 which is all I can afford ? I just want it all over now, and have to reply quickly the company say or its court time.

-- Alison (topbanana07@hotmail.com), August 20, 2002

Answers

As the shortfall is for quite a small amount anyway, you could try putting an offer in for 400 pounds and see what happens. If you do make this offer, I would stress to the lender that money is all you have you simply cannot make a higher offer.

Good luck, and negotiate hard.

-- (bagpus90@hotmail.com), August 21, 2002.