I'm never going to get used to it. Ever. The stories we hear time and time again in this line of work of the hardship so many homeowners have endured over the past few years and continue to endure to this day are heartbreaking and even a bit surreal.
With the number of sales continuing to rise in our area, I admit I sometimes tend to forget that foreclosures and short sales are still out there and will continue to be out there for some time yet. So when I meet with a potential seller to discuss their home and how it fits in today's market, it can still take me aback when they tell me they are likely underwater.
I had such an appointment this morning. I wasn't prepared mentally or emotionally for the stories I was told. For whatever reason, it never even occurred to me that I could be walking into a potentially difficult situation. Perhaps that's a flaw on my part, but I'm not sure being forewarned in this situation would have even made a difference.
It served as a reminder that the number of stories such as the one I heard are staggering. It reminded me that even people who choose to live their lives responsibly, humbly, and with integrity get dealt a really crappy hand sometimes, and there is not a darn thing they can do about it except continue to move forward with faith and trust that all will be okay. Somehow, some way everything will work out.
I know I've said it before but I think it bears repeating. This job I have selling homes isn't just about selling homes. It's about helping people and connecting with people. It's about understanding and respecting the fact that their house isn't just another one on a conveyor belt of listings that need to get sold the quickest and for the most money.
These families come to us for advice and support, especially in the most trying of times. Perhaps the most important part of our job is to provide just that.
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