Just because someone is retired does not mean that they are not vulnerable to foreclosure and unlike the news media is purporting, not all people are loosing their home because they lost their job. Some are due to the stock market, Madoffor other investment choices. Most agents are seeing the "people of foreclosure" since it's happening at all ages, and in all income brackets. 

I was previewing a newly listed short sale property that my client asked me to see.  I drove up to a perfectly manicured yard, the type that you would see in the movies or in a Phoenix luxury home magazine. 

My preview appointment was accepted with hesitation and as I rang the door bell and could hear voices whispering on the other side.  The male and female were debating as to if they should open the door and who should open it.  After several minutes, the door slowly opened.

There stood an older man, about in his eighties.  He was frail and bent over with probably arthritis and spoke with a gentle kind voice.  His wife was about the same age but a little shorter in stature.  

I entered the home, his wife left the foyer and went to the great room.  There she sat down at a baby grand and began playing.  She played like an angel.  I listened for a minute or so then commented on the beautiful harmonious music.  As she lifted her head, her tears uncontrollably ran down her weathered face.

Her husband walked to her side, stroked and hugged her while assuring her that it was alright.  He rocked her like you would a young child and left her side only until after she had stopped crying. 

As he and I walked from room to room, he described all of the features and upgrades that was in the property.  Granite, travertine, stainless, bay windows, additional rooms, 12 foot ceilings, over-sized garages, all of the bells that you would see in a luxury home.  Out back was an enormous pool, waterfalls, a fire pit, and beautiful desert landscaping.  Just a spectacular area to sit, relax and watch the saguaro cactus grow.

In each room I noticed that everything was marked and labeled with prices.  Pictures, end tables, beds, lamps, entertainment centers, tv sets, clothing all had price stickers or were marked as sold. 

By the time I got back to the front door I could barely control myself.  The homeowner opened the door to let me out, then shook his head and said, please find a nice owner for our last home.  I've heard it many times before, "this is going to be our last home".  "We don't want to move any more, the kids are grown, or we've saved the best for last."

The signs of this economy has affected all ages.  It's just a sign of the times that we as agents endure with each and every story.  People from all walks of life are involved.  From the young child who no longer can attend the same school, to the elderly who had planned to travel and relax in their golden years.  Younger people may eventually recover on their losses - in time.  The difference is that older people do not have the luxury of time to recover their financial loss.

I live here, I work here, I know this community!