Turbulent times, market conditions, and changes of circumstance are all factors in Real Estate. Too often we fail to venture outside of our comfort zones, break our routines or change our patterns. But it is those changes, which can alter the course of our destiny or that of someone else.
I went to check on a customer's house. Too many unanswered voice-mails had me a bit concerned. The signs I had placed at the house, were now gone. The grass was long and uncut, and there was a eerie feeling when I pulled into the driveway. As I approached the back door, there was a debris field of personal items and a strong sense something wasn't right. I peered through the window of the kitchen I noticed the cabinets had all been left open, dirty dishes in the sink, and from the corner of my eye I could see the furniture that once was there, was not.
The house had been abandoned. Financial pressures too overwhelming to overcome had forced this young family to simply leave the house behind. There was a profound sense of sadness as I entered the house. Family photos strewn in corners, holes in the walls, and personal items left in disarray. A dozen fish left to die desperately swimming in the tank. The power had been shut off, a merciful sprinkling of food before I closed the door for the last time. There was no good bye, no communications just the folder of mortgage documents left conspicuously on the kitchen counter which spoke silently for them. 
I missed the turn off for the next customer. Roadwork seems to be everywhere in Osceola County these days. That brought me to the pound, the first and only place to make a U-Turn on a two lane road. Waiting by the gate was a line of cars. The attendant had just arrived to let them in. As I followed the other vehicles into the parking lot, the purpose was to get turned around. I would end up turning around someone else's life instead.
This little guy, was being carried in. I had to stop and ask what happened. His owner had been retired to a nursing home, and the remaining relatives could not take him in. They spoke so highly of his virtues. "He is good with cats, other dogs and loves kids... and is housebroken. We hate to abandon him here, but we just cannot keep him." He gazed at me pleading for a pat. The next thing I know I have an armful of playful pug, licking at me and wagging his curly little tail.
As we headed home, I realized that with profound sadness comes unexpected new beginnings. The turn of events, or a missed turn can alter ones destiny. Distressed Property comes in many forms. Including this little "diamond in the ruff."
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