There I was yesterday morning, had everything planned, was sitting down just getting ready to fill out Christmas cards for my local clients. My phone rings and it isn't even 8:30, I didn't recongnize the number and said to myself "Great, another lead coming in".
The voice on the other end asks "Is this the listing agent for the home on Chandler Bridge?"
I replied "Yes. Can I help you?"
"I am the husband of the owner's cousin. He was found dead on his floor two days ago."
"Oh my God! What happenned?"
"Nobody knows for sure, but the coroner's office would like to check around the home. It was locked up when they took him away and the only key we know of is in your lockbox. Can you meet us there tomorrow?"
So here I am, getting ready to go out and meet someone from the coroner's office and the husband of the cousin of my client, in his house, where he was found dead on the floor by a neighbor. He had a big black dog that was guarding his body and wouldn't let anyone near. Animal control was called and Luke, the dog, was restrained and taken to a shelter.
Bennie, my client, was selling his home that he loved, in order to make a fresh start in Santa Fe. He was only in his late forties. I, and a stager friend of mine, were doing our best to help him with that new start.
I called the stager, she was devastated and offerred to take Luke in if no one else would. I asked her if she had an inventory and pictures of what she had put into Bennie's home. She might have to wait until all the place is probated to get her items back, Bennie didn't leave a will. I withdrew the listings from the MLS.
Bennie didn't have a lot, but he was a proud man and he loved his home and he especially his dog. He didn't have a lot of family, just his cousin. I hope that he is happy and at peace now, whereever he is.
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