Having been in the real estate business since 1999, I have come across almost every type of situation imaginable: Someone died in the house, divorced spouses fighting with each other, probate courts, flooded homes, and ghosts. I thought I had seen and experienced everything. Until today.
I met with a couple who had called my office a few weeks ago looking for information about selling their home. Based on the initial conversation, I knew they were in financial trouble. They bought their home in 2006. The couple, along with their 2 children, had intended to live their "American Dream". Then came the recession.
I listened intently as they explained their story and what led them to their current predicament. The husband, a general contractor, has seen his business decrease over 60% due to the current recession. The wife was laid off last year from a very high paying, lucrative position. They have not paid their mortage payments in over 6 months, their property taxes are late, and are having troubles paying their other bills. A Notice of Default has now been filed against their home and are now facing foreclosure.
I could see she was starting to cry. The husband tries to comfort his wife. I could see that both of them are scared and do not know what to do.
In my 11+ years in the business, this was probably the most heart-breaking appointment I ever went to. For last few years, we have all heard in the news about the collapse of the financial & housing markets and the effects that it has had on the American public. Now I am seeing the face of the American public for the first time.
I was trying hard to keep my emotions in check and stay in control but the next question that was asked of me nearly floored me: "Can You Help Us?". Quietly in my mind, I think to myself: "No one has never asked me for my help as a Realtor". I now have a responsibility to these people, and I say to them, "Yes I Can".
I explain to them what options are available to them and determine that a short sale would be the best course of action for them. We sign the necessary papers and now their home will go on the market for sale. I gather up my papers and I say goodbye to the couple and their kids.
I get into my car to drive back to Palm Springs and I start to cry. I don't know if was their situation or that they asked for my help that made me cry. Either way, it touched my heart.
Past Due photo courtesy of PhotoBucket
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