U
gh, I HATE short sales… and no, it’s not because of the all the extra paperwork or problems that come with the process. It’s heartbreaking to see families have to leave their homes behind and start over.
I have 5 kids, and because of what I do, I lay awake every night wondering what we would do if we had to pack up everything we have, and give up everything my husband and I have worked for simply because our house was no longer worth what we paid for it, and we could no longer afford it.
I have listed 4 homes this year for friends who are behind in their payments. Friends, who 18 months ago… would never have imagined themselves in this situation.
A few months ago my daughter and I watched the American Girl movie, Kitt Kittridge, about the Great Depression. I had no idea at the time that was exactly the future we were facing, but it’s very real.
Children my kids went to school with last year won’t be returning to their schools this year. This is incredibly sad. Neighbors are abandoning their homes. My subdivision is lonely, and it’s all because the government screwed up.
When this all started last year, I was bitter because I thought that short sales were the “get out of jail free” card that homeowners who “bit off more than they could chew” were getting away with, but that view point has changed dramatically over the last few months.
I’ve been showing homes for the last 3 months to buyers and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to not notice the personal touch of happier times of these abandoned homes.
Sports themed or Disney Princess decorated bedrooms, abandoned toys, swing sets in the back yard… and of course, the family portraits. That’s what kills me the most. I can only imagine the pain contained with the walls I am peddling.
“The American Dream”. Abandoned. Given up on.
I never finished college, although I’m close, I always imagined myself in a position of helping others. By doing short sales, I give people hope in getting closure in their current financial situations… and I do it with compassion.
If you are behind in payments, I can help… and I can do it with dignity! Call me.
Julie Ferenzi | Realtor®
Plainfield IL Homes for Sale
630-673-6233
Hey Julie,
You (imho) certainly have a realistic grasp on what's happening in today's real estate market place, MORE importantly you empathize with the human experience. Right now is a true learning experience for most of us as homeowners/families and REALTORS alike.
Keep your strong spirit of a servant's attitude and do all that you can to help those in need. You know the more we help, the better we all are.
I'm with Lynda...you have the compassion that these people need. They're not just another sale...they're human beings who unfortunately came across hard times. You'll go way far.... for sure.
Yes, you now see the pain behind these For Sale signs. It breaks my heart and we are trying to help each family that we can. When one closes, the joy on the seller's faces makes all the mountain of extra work and phone calls worth while.
I feel like we Realtors are our own little stimulus package, one home at a time. Good post, great attitude, keep helping!
Dixie
Julie - Short sales are never an easy situation. Hopefully those you can help out will benefit in the long run. We all have to live within our means, learn to appreciate what we have, and maintain a healthy savings account. It is a tough economy right now.
I agree that short sales are sad and the reason for the government to MOVE out of the WAY of financial institutions.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1014169323358510560.html
"Last year, Fan's debt/equity ratio was about 60 to 1, more than five times the average for commercial banks"
But, unfortunatelly there is another side to all the short sales and foreclosures. Sadly, it's not uncommon to find NEW boats, new jetski's, latest electronics, etc... in the homes that the rest of the taxpayers are asked to bail out.
So, true, short sales are sad, but they are one more reason WE should be more responsible when it comes to our finances.