When you buy and sell property, expect the unexpected. Case in point, once, while holding an open house, the previous homeowners showed up. I suppose I should share some history with you to explain our surprise. From the time we met the homeowners,  during the home inspection, we sensed their reluctance to sell. Unfortunately, they had to sell to avoid foreclosure. Their adult daughter really did not want to move so this added to heighten hostilities. These people were so contentious by the time of closing that we almost backed out of the transaction. Through the entire sales process, they fought and argued about every issue.  

So you can imagine our surprise to see them.They probably came by to see what interest was generated in their old house and how motivated the buyers were.  I realize they had just as much right as a nosy neighbor to be there because it was open to the public. Nonetheless, this was a first for us.  Once they realized that we and not a realtor were hosting the open house they raced through the sign in table, browsed all the rooms, and rushed out.  

As realtors we don’t think much about the emotional trauma people (seller) might be going through when separating from them once largest investment. Their hopes, their dreams are all gone with a swipe of a pin on a paper.  I will be more cognizance of this the next time we decide to buy a foreclosure.