I really am starting to take this all personally.

Did everyone I sold a property to in the last few years default on their mortgage?

No?

Then...if they haven't defaulted yet, are they about to?

I'm serious here.  It's all too much for a girl to bear.  I get a phone call or two each month now with a former client on the other end.  Most times these calls are asking for guidance on what to do now that they need to sell their home -- the home they just bought 2 or 3 years ago. 

That's not good, because these are not investors; they were in it for the long haul -- or so I thought.

I have to tell them the cold, hard facts about today's world of real estate.  They probably owe more on the house than the house is worth.

I'm really tired of saying this over and over again.

I wish I didn't have to.

I've morphed into an HRC (Home Retention Consultant) the latter part of 2008 and I ain't gettin' paid extra for that!

Listen up, guys. If you absolutely, positively have to move (job relocation, no income to pay any mortgage, etc.) then call me to sell your home. I'll start the short sale process poste-haste and hope like hell your lender isn't Countrywide (or Popular or People's First).

But --

If you can stay in your home, please do just that. 

Stay and pay (your mortgage, that is) and grow your equity the old-fashioned way -- with time.  Maybe a loan modification is in order?  I'm well-versed in that process and can certainly help you on your way.  That's where the HRC part comes in.  The past is just that and the wacko double digit appreciation we enjoyed just a relatively short time ago is gone, gone, gone.

This ain't your Mama's real estate reality, that's for sure.

It's 2009 and guess what? 

I'm still standing -- but I'm starting to take it all personally, too.