Semantic Differences: What’s the Difference Between a Rescue and a Bailout?
On Monday the U.S. House of Representatives rejected what was termed a Wall Street “bailout”. Two days later, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a “rescue” plan. Was the difference a new word or a few billion barrels of pork that lawmakers added to the bill to make it more pleasing to nervous Senators?
I can honestly say I don’t know. I’m just glad I didn’t have to make the decision. What I do know, though, is that there are no easy answers and $700 billion is 2.8 million houses at a quarter of a million apiece. Or 5.6 million if you can get 50% short sales 
Really, though, a bailout sounds worse than a rescue. Rescuing somebody just sounds better — especially when your wallet stands to be the life jacket being used. You feel more heroic, and I think that was the goal. Because words mean things.
Take real estate investing for instance.
When you’re negotiating with a seller, the difference between a deal and an unfulfilled dream could be what you say — and it might be how you say it. Success in real estate investing comes down to the art of negotiation. You may be faced with dealing bad news to the one you’re negotiating with. You may not be able to give the seller what they want, but find a way to turn it around. Be diplomatic, which is the art of telling someone where they can go so artfully that they actually look forward to the trip.
So take it from your government: Choose your words wisely, find out what the other party needs, and figure out how you can give them what they need — even if they don’t know what it is.
Then you have a win-win transaction.
And nobody gets stuck with a debt that can’t be repaid.
Happy Investing!
Charrissa Cawley
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