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Foreclosures - Where have all the people gone (Part II)

By
Real Estate Agent with Dorothy Hanson, Broker

This is a continuation of my last blog - Foreclosures - Where have all the people gone

Recently, I have shown a number of foreclosed properties in Holland, Michigan, and in the Saugatuck area to my clients and several of these have been purchased by my clients. 

Everytime I go into one of these properties, I wonder, "Where have all the people gone?"  and what were they like.

Each foreclosed property has its own personality. Sometimes the anger of the past occupants shows as they have damaged the home by removing the sinks and other fixtures or vandalizing the walls and floors. I hope these people can let go of their anger and get on with their lives.Foreclosure damaged property courtesy of Dee Dee Hanson, Associate Broker,CB Woodland Schmidt, Saugatuck

Other homes were obviously loved and well cared for by the previous owners.  Past owners have left the property clean, left and locked the door as if they would be returning shortly.  Improvements have been made to these properties - maybe expensive improvements such as new fixtures and cabinets. Holland Foreclosure in Good shape courtesy of DeeDee Hanson, CB Woodland Schmidt, Saugatuck, MiThese homes are very liveable.  These former owners  could not destroy something they had loved so much.  Often they were in the process of remodeling.  There may be new wood flooring or a new kitchen or bathroom in process.  I hope these people can let go of the painful loss they have experienced and get on with their lives.

I would like to hear your experiences of foreclosures and am still asking the question, "Where have all the people gone!"

Comments(4)

Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!
Hi Dee Dee, This is a very important question.  You wonder what happened to people whose lives were disrupted in this way.  I have a lot of respect for those who did not take out their anger on the home.
Dec 20, 2007 03:50 AM
Jen Hudson
Windermere Real Estate/M2, LLC - Stanwood, WA
Stanwood, Camano & Arlington, WA
Dee Dee, you bring up a good question.  Where did the people go?  I was out showing a foreclosure earlier this week and it was an absolutely gorgeous home.  They had remodeled the home, the garage and had just started on the barn.  It's almost sad to walk in when a project is in the midst of completion and it's as if they just got up and walked away.  The materials are still there and everything to finish it.  That has to be a very hard thing to do for the sellers and I wish them the best. 
Dec 20, 2007 04:29 AM
Hank Roeters
Platinum Partners Realtors - Darien, IL
Very good question Dee Dee. I've wondered about this too. A lot of them have little money, and bad credit. Just affording to move  must be hard. I'm sure some have gone into Apartments, and some might have had to move in with family or friends.  I have relatives in Holland and visit often. A great area.
Dec 20, 2007 05:08 AM
Anonymous
A Family of Faith and hope.

Yes,I agree with I have a respect for those who don't destroy their homes.  We are in the same situation, but I tell you what there is no way I would have the heart to destroy a home we lived in no matter what.  There is a God and he does take care of those who have been misfortunate like us.  He makes a way.  We are on are way to owning our own house once again.  The house we had to leave was left just like new and cleaned up to.  I just can't see destorying it even if it means giving it all up.  Most of the times we get into our own mess and blame others for our own faults.  Being optimistic and knowing we all come naked into this world and go out the same way God brought us into it.  One word of advice for those who are going through this difficult time.  You can start all over again.  One thing we have and no one can take that, is Faith in JESUS who is LORD.  We are a testimony for those who are going through difficult times.  Maybe people won't forgive,  but let us tell you of a loving God who does forgive just about everything people have done.

The word of God says do not repay evil with evil.  Romans12:17-21.  I Peter 3:9

May God Bless all that read our testimony.   There will be tribulation in this world.    John  16:33.

 

  We were able to do a short sale  and buy another home. We did what we could and left the rest up to God.  Just obey God and see all his blessings happen and turn around a bad situation.

A family who has been through it all.

Jul 15, 2008 02:45 AM
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