Over the past few weeks I have been out looking at homes for sale for my little sister. Because of the price range she qualifies for, we have been looking at REO properties. I have to admit the first time we went out we definitely experienced what one might call "foreclosure shock". Prior to this, I was of the mindset that a foreclosure property was just a nice home at a really good deal. Boy was I mistaken! I was astonished at the lack of self dignity and self respect that some people uphold. I was amazed at the amount of damage that was incurred to what was once a seemingly nice home. I was in awe that the sellers didn't bother to even remove all of their personal belongings and garbage let alone clean the home. I personally could not imagine doing this to a home, foreclosure or no. When it comes down to it, is it not the bank's fault you were not able to make your payment!
When we set out again this past weekend, we thought we were more prepared for what we could expect to see. We were sadly mistaken. As I sit here now writing this, I am still in shock of what we saw. I had my reservations regarding this home in the first place due to the location. We were doing our best to keep an open mind, so we decided to just take a look hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Surprised we were, but it was most definitely not pleasant!
I am not sure what astounded me the most, the condition of the home; the fact that our Realtor proceeded with showing the home to us; or the fact that the Listing Agent actually had it listed and open for viewing in that shape. Is this really the commonly accepted process?
The listing read "There is much clutter (and odor) from previous tenant, ......Some personal items will be removed prior to closing". This was a gross understatement. What it should have said is ‘There is a massive amount of junk that you will have to wade through. Enter at your own risk.' The odor was what one would call dangerous to your health and we honestly had to cover out noses to avoid breathing the toxic air. 
Among the rubble, garbage, clothing, etc. we found brand new merchandise including a large screen Plasma TV. Clearly the tenants of the home were involved in some illegal actions. It was heartbreaking to walk through the rooms and find evidence that small children had lived here with the people that had vacated the house. I wonder what their poor lives must be like now as they are living with parents with very little conscience.
We cautiously continued through the immense disarray with a warning from our realtor to beware of the live mice, as one had just scurried past his feet. YIKES! After viewing the upstairs I was certain I had seen more than enough and waited outside for the others as they continued the tour downstairs. To my dismay, I was yet again taken aback when they returned with reports of a pistol and an axe just lying on the floor waiting for an unsuspecting victim. This might just be the most astonishing part of all. This is beyond my comprehension! Where is the listing agent's sense of responsibility?! How does he/she sleep at night with that kind of professional and personal liability looming over he/she?
People once again, never cease to amaze me.
Comments(8)