Add another chalk mark to the tally of homeowners that cried, "I surrender," in the economic war. They hoisted their surrender flag in the form of a For Sale sign in the front lawn. They are not happy it is there, but the payments are too much to handle. The burden more than they can bear. Another couple becomes collateral damage in the economic battle zone running rampant in the streets of our cities and towns.
There is nothing special about this couple. Like many Americans they have worked all their life, raised a family, suffered a setback or two, then picked themselves up and carried on. They have enough history and life under their belt to know this is not the end of the world; but it has turned their world upside down. They do not need a face or a name; they are uncomfortably close to being everyman and every woman. Same story, different faces.
The American dream of owning a home of ones own has many people a few paychecks away from foreclosure. Blame is a senseless game. At this point they need solutions not assigning fault. Far too many are experiencing the harsh reality of how fragile their dream is. Starting over is hard at forty, at sixty-five plus it is devastating. 
This couple, like many others, is making lemonade from the lemons life handed them. They will downsize sooner than they wanted too. They will move away from family and lifelong friends to a less expensive area. They will continue to work to generate much needed income. The equity they were counting on to bring comfort during their retirement years is no longer there.
It is time to suit up in my real estate armor and head out to the day's battlefield. There's an offer to check on, a request for repairs to negotiate and a house to hold open. Business, as life, goes on.
P.S. Today I could use a glass of extra sweet lemonade.
Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
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Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333
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South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
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These are very difficult times for many. There ia a lot of hardship and big grown up decisions to make. We must look forward to better days.
The times that we are now in - are so inclusive of almost all of Americans. I think that is the over whelming part of it. I look to the future knowing we can overcome!
It does feel like a battlefield most days doesn't it? We will all come out of this with a renewed appreciation (I hope) of what's truly important in life.
Jim - Those grown up decisions are certainly required in today's economy.
Yes, I think this is an "everyone is invited" tough times party our economy is throwing!
Colleen - There are many wonderful lessons to be learned and having your priorities in the right order is a big and valuable one.