When a person makes the decision to sell their home they have a reason, perhaps a goal that they are trying to achieve. I love working for people when its an upgrade. The homeowners are excited and happy. They anticipate the move and they are truely ready for the move. Then there are times that I have to list a home that has a sad reason why they are selling, like loss of job, illness or worse death. My emotions do tend to surface. Most of the time these sellers are not quite ready to leave the home and there is such remorse. But how about the times when we have to sell a home because of an ailing parent? This post has been on my mind for a very long time and I could not get it into words.
This listing that I have is a difficult one. The listing price is great - this home will sell in a heartbeat. If I could get in to show the property. I went on the listing because the son found me through my blog, Nyhouses4sale. I was flattered and thrilled. He lives in North Carolina and he explained to me that aside from listing the home, I would have to also help with the clean out. He gave me a run down of "his" situation. He lives thousands of miles away and he feels that his hands are tied. In this home where his mother lives, he has an older brother who has some other problems of his own.
When I went on the listing, his mother explained to me in depth that she was not well. I could see that this process was hard for her, but she was talkative. I think she liked the company. After we walked through the house and memory lane - I said my goodbyes. She told me she was ready. The home was to much for her and her son who lives with her (she is 88 and her son is 71). She said she is ready.
A day after I listed the home, I got 5 phone calls from other realtors. The sign went up and we were ready to sell the home. I called "mom" and asked her when would be a good time for HER. I would accompany the other agents. She explained to me that she was not selling her home. She had no idea who she was. She thinks I might have the wrong number - her neighbor is selling. She is not. "I am to old" she explains to me. She had NO clue who I was.
I called the son and explained to him what just happend - his reply was more disturbing than hers was. "Ohh, I guess you found out she has alzheimer's". HUH?? She what?
I can not possibly sell this home. Who signs the contracts? She can't - she is not of sound mind. This is not right. I feel bad, but I had to explain this to him and he has to speak to an attorney. But since the first time I met this frail woman - I have been thinking of her. I hope that all works out in the end for her sake
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