A very interesting thing happened to me...

[One Half Full]

I will be losing the house and car, and since I still have use of the car, I went to a real estate office in a very classy area and asked if they handle rentals. I just stopped there for kicks so to speak. The lady at the counter went and got the rental guy, who, I understood actually managed or owned many of the apartments and houses in the area. The first thing out of my mouth was "I am going through a bankruptcy and foreclosure. I was thinking of moving here, would you be interested in helping me find a place to live?" I also told him that I had 2 dogs and 2 cats and would rather not give them up. We chatted for a while, and I found he was really well informed and non-judgmental towards BK people. He actually offered me a discounted house in a very pricey neighborhood and said I could keep my pets. I had to tell him I was not ready yet. He said, that it was okay and to come back to him when I was ready to move. What he said he appreciated most was me coming right out with it. Like blurting out "I'm going bankrupt!"
What happened gives me a lot more confidence in being able to find a place. I like the area, but I will also look a bit down the street in the cheaper part of town (these are all "urban" apartments in the "city"). I also now feel that people are on my side. They are not stupid. They see what is happening to millions, and many of them are willing to help. Is this an isolated incidence? What do you think?

[Flamingo]

Foreclosures are in record numbers and are expected to continue to go higher by the end of this year. People are losing their jobs right and left as the economy slows down and people have stopped spending and have battened down the hatches as to their lifestyles resulting in drops in retail and outside entertainment/dining establishments. You will see more and more understanding people who have been affected by all this in one way or another and will change their business practices as a result. It will also bring out the scammers in record numbers so before anyone accepts any offer of anything, read the fine print twice and research the person/outfit. Just always remember to protect yourself. You did an excellent thing by being proactive in this situation - goes to show you what one can accomplish when they put their mind to it even when times are bad at the moment.

[Cali]

I agree with Flamingo, with the way the economy is going now, there will be many people that will be more understanding.

[chpxiii]

One thing I have seen and noticed in my life, when you're being honest and straight up with people, they have a confidence and start off trusting you. They are also more likely to be honest and straight up back. And willing to deal as well.

I agree with Flamingo's comments too. Good luck! Things will work out.

[One Half Full]

I was also just browsing craigslist here and found that I will have a decent amount of choice when I do start looking. There were about 95 rentals that accepted cats and dogs. Loosing them is what I am most terrified about.