Distressed Homeowners Ask for my Help- A Realtor's 1st Short Sale Appt.

Having been in the real estate business since 1999, I have come across almost every type of situation imaginable:  Someone died in the house, divorced spouses fighting with each other, probate courts, flooded homes, and ghosts.  I thought I had seen and experienced everything.  Until today.

I met with a couple who had called my office a few weeks ago looking for information about selling their home.  Based on the initial conversation, I knew they were in financial trouble.  They bought their home in 2006.   The couple, along with their 2 children,  had intended to live their "American Dream".  Then came the recession.

I listened intently as they explained their story and what led them to their current predicament.  The husband, a general contractor, has seen his business decrease over 60% due to the current recession.  The wife was laid off last year from a very high paying, lucrative position.  They have not paid their mortage payments in over 6 months, their property taxes are late, and are having troubles paying their other bills.  A Notice of Default has now been filed against their home and are now facing foreclosure.

I could see she was starting to cry.   The husband tries to comfort his wife.  I could see that both of them are scared and do not know what to do.

In my 11+ years in the business, this was probably the most heart-breaking appointment I ever went to. For last few years, we have all heard in the news about the collapse of the financial & housing markets and the effects that it has had on the American public.   Now I am seeing  the face of the American public for the first time.

I was trying hard to keep my emotions in check and stay in control but the next question that was asked of me nearly floored me:    "Can You Help Us?".   Quietly in my mind, I think to myself:  "No one has never asked me for my help as a Realtor".  I now have a responsibility to these  people, and I say to them, "Yes I Can".

I explain to them what options are available to them and determine that a short sale would be the best course of action for them.  We sign the necessary papers and now their home will go on the market for sale.  I gather up my papers and I say goodbye to the couple and their kids.

I get into my car to drive back to Palm Springs and I start to cry.  I don't know if was their situation or that they asked for my help that made me cry.  Either way, it touched my heart.

Past Due photo courtesy of PhotoBucket