Distressed Homes—or Distressed People? Which one is more important?
Barb is so right... the people are in pain and need you to help lift them up and see that life can and will get better.
But the pets...they don't even know WHY the people they love are turning their backs on them.
The pets shouldn't have to face abandonment or death because of their humans' financial woes. Maybe more agents need to get involved and intervene... calling shelters and helping place those pets when it is impossible for the homeowners to take them.
Our local shelter was started because people who were moving were leaving pets behind or having them put to sleep as a matter of convenience. (This was long before the current crisis state.)
These people simply didn't want to be bothered with them. In my opinion, those were people who didn't deserve to have pets in the first place, but the bottom line is that dogs and cats need our help - no matter why their human families let them down.
Distressed Homes—or Distressed People???? It’s really the people who matter, as always. When I first heard the term “distressed homes” it seemed so odd, as if a home can really have feelings. But the people inside can, and they do, in a huge way.
Most people considering a short sale or on the brink of foreclosure experience a myriad of emotions, from the initial denial to bargaining to a final acceptance... and then relief, once they decide to stop making payments so they can start talking to the bank, and move forward in their life, into a sunnier future.
Good REALTORs® have always known that we are usually both agent and psychologist rolled into one. Sellers need us more than ever now. I’ve seen people start to sign short sale paperwork actually stop, and freeze in time for several minutes, pen still in hand, as they churn inside. A gentle, knowledgeable touch helps bring them back to reality.
With all the craziness of multiple offers and ridiculously long bank delays, buyers need us just as much. And-- because I do animal rescue I just have to add this--- when a person loses their home, a pet does too. Here in San Diego we are making massive rescues from the shelters in Riverside County, who are euthanizing perfectly good pets. Homeowners faced with foreclosure are operating in stun mode, and aren’t making the rationale decisions they normally would concerning their pets. Many don’t even try to call animal rescue groups. If you know anyone in this situation, please advise them on this topic too. Each breed has at least one rescue group which generally advocates for the mixes, too. We’re out there to help!
Meet Harley!
Barb Fischer
La Mesa, CA San Diego, CA
619.339.1396
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