A Chehalis area home burned to the ground this morning. I'm only out one lockbox. The family lost almost everything.
I got the call at 9:30 this morning from the neighbor who is the local publisher of a real estate rag. He called to say my listing behind his house was burning to the ground. Seller had been contacted and was on his way. On the 40 minute \drive to the property I made a lot of calls..... What can you do when you deal in homes, but put the word out to everyone who might know of some temporary housing for this family.
I could see the smoke on the hillside as I approached the freeway exit and took a final call from the Fire Department Investigator telling him I was almost there. It didn't feel so special "like on tv" to be able to say let me through your roadblock. It didn't feel special at all. I parked on the street and made my way down a driveway lined with City of Chehalis emergency vehicles. This is one of those areas where a series of small pump trucks run hoses to each other in order to get into tight areas. What an amazing group of people.
I made my way around the last bend and the site in front of me took my breath away. I lost it. Not even mine and the heartache was so strong that I stood and cried. Deep breaths... stoic calm and I turned to see my people coming down the driveway.
It could happen to any of us.. My sellers said, "Thanks goodness we took your advise and all our personal memorabilia is in storage and the dog is living with other family" Nobody was home.
They've check into a motel and decided to cry for the day and then figure out how to move on.
Keep them in your prayers as we look for temporary housing. Oh my,,,,, there's my husband and we have room in the basement as a last resort... I better go smooze and hold tight and say my own prayer of thanks.
There, but for the grace of God, go I.
Olympia, Lacey & greater Pacific Northwest in Thurston and Lewis County. Your realtor© should be a professional who listens and understands your needs. I'd love to interview for the position.
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Susan, I can appreciate your feeling. We are still dealing with Katrina and many, many people that have lost a lot. There is tommorow. I still get down because the problems are going to take time to solve. Hopefully your people will fare better because of people like you. God Bless You!
Susan - they are in my thoughts and prayers. How wonderful of you to ask for them.
When you deal in "real estate" you're not just dealing with a structure, or a lot of land. Whats more important is the families who make these things Home. You've shown this by your care a compassion to your clients already Susan. Thankfully everyone is safe! We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.