Save my Home and Studio

My name is Toni and I fundraising to save my home.

I've had a horrific year that started with a bad tenant that rented my guest house where he allowed his dogs to trash it. The damages came to $3600. When approached he promised to pay for the repairs but he not only did not repair the damages he stopped payment on the rent for 3 months. After he left I sent him an invoice that he ignored. Within a week there was a complaint filed with the county questioning my permits. There were permits for the buildings but not for the porch I had added on. It has subsequently removed. I also had a shed built to use as an art studio that needs a permit. The requirements are going to cost about $3000 that I don't have as yet. Since it is still under review by the county I am unable to borrow against the approximately $400,000 I have in equity. I put what money I had into restoring it so I could rent it as that is my core income.

Immediately after that I had an accident where I broke my leg. I was laid for several months on crutches so was unable to drive or work.I could not carry anything while using the crutches or leave my leg down long enough to paint anything without it swelling. Two weeks after being released by my Dr. I came down with Covid and was very sick for two weeks. Two weeks after that I had a very bad tooth and had to have it extracted. The first of August I had a new tenant move in and all seemed ok until he became ill and couldn't work so quit paying the rent. He was subsequently was diagnosed with stomach cancer and is now behind three months rent. He says he intends to stay even without any support system here so have been unable to get him to leave so I can get a paying tenant in so I can pay my mortgage. So now my property is in foreclosure and at 74 I am about to lose the only home I've had and the equity I have in it. As well as the home for my beloved animals. And the studio where I can do my artwork. I am a freelance artist specializing in portraits of animals and western art. I have been painting as much as possible but have been unable to catch up with the expenses as they escalated this year and the loss of my rental income for most of the year.

I am hoping to get some help from this site to be able to keep my home and studio so I can continue to live out my years here and be able to follow my passion for animals and painting.

I am alone and have no children to help me out. My animals are my family and can't imagine having to give them up. I moved here 10 years ago with a friend as his caregiver and inherited this as my first home at 70 years old when he passed away. I doubt that I have the time or energy left in my life to start over and rebuild what I have here. It is not a high-end showplace but is perfect for me or so I thought as I expected rent from the guest house to pay the mortgage. I did not expect two delinquent tenants and a broken leg within such a short time. I plan to use the funds to catch up on the mortgage and any additional funds would be used to meet the county requirements so I'll be signed off and be able to apply for a reverse mortgage so this situation will never happen to me again and I will be able to live out my last years in my home in peace and not be dependent on tenants again. Anyone that helps me out with funds will be given consideration on the purchase of my artwork. Or even better please consider purchasing some of my artwork or a commission to paint your own beloved pet ! I would to earn my way by doing what I do best. A painting of your beloved animal !!