When Life Throws You Curveballs, We’re Here to Help
At Panhandle Real Estate Investments, we often work with sellers in difficult situations job loss, relocation, emotional distress, or legal roadblocks.
This story is about one of those cases.
We recently helped a family in Pensacola, Florida, sell their Habitat for Humanity home after they were hit with sudden job changes and needed to relocate quickly to Georgia.
It wasn’t just a regular home sale. The property had legal restrictions, deferred maintenance, and an emotionally overwhelmed seller but together, we made it happen.
The Situation: Layoffs, Financial Stress, and a Home Tied to Habitat for Humanity
The seller was working two jobs when she unexpectedly lost one of them. Her husband was also struggling to find work. With mounting bills and limited income, they decided their best option was to move closer to family in Georgia, where they had work lined up.
But there was a catch.
This wasn’t just any house. It was a Habitat for Humanity home, and it came with something most sellers have never heard of a First Right of Refusal.
What Is a First Right of Refusal?
Habitat for Humanity places restrictions on many of the homes they build. In this case, the clause stated that if the owner sold the house within 15 years, Habitat had the right to buy it back at the original purchase price.
That meant the seller could have been forced to take $25,000 less than what the home was worth.
How We Helped: Negotiation, Repairs, and Compassion
The seller needed a fast, fair offer and she needed someone to help her navigate the red tape.
1. Working Around Habitat for Humanity
We contacted Habitat and worked with them directly. Due to the poor condition of the house, they chose not to exercise their right to repurchase.
This allowed us to move forward and pay the seller a fair market price, instead of forcing her to take a financial loss.
2. Taking the House As-Is
The property had significant deferred maintenance, along with lots of personal belongings left behind. We told the seller she could leave whatever she wanted no need to clean or repair.
After closing, we handled:
- New lighting and fresh paint
- Trim and interior door repairs
- New flooring throughout
- General clean-up and restoration
3. Supporting the Seller Emotionally
The emotional weight was heavy. The morning of closing, the seller was in tears not out of fear, but relief. She had been carrying the burden of this home and the uncertainty of her future.
We gave her several days after closing to gather her belongings, pack up what she wanted, and move on her own terms.
4. A Human Touch
This wasn’t just about money. It was about helping a person who felt stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next.
The Outcome: A New Chapter in Georgia
After the sale, the seller and her husband made it to Georgia just in time for the holidays. The day after Christmas, she sent us a photo with her family, smiling and thanking us for helping her move forward.
That’s why we do what we do.
Who This Story Is For: Sellers Facing Tough Situations
We don’t just work with sellers in clean, simple transactions. We specialize in helping people through hardship.
If you’re in a situation where:
- You’ve lost your job or are dealing with financial stress
- You need to relocate quickly to be closer to family or work
- You own a home that’s in disrepair or has legal restrictions
- You inherited a property or are struggling to maintain your current one
…we can help.
Even if your home has a Habitat for Humanity clause, a HOA complication, or simply needs too many repairs we’ll work with you to find a solution.
Why Sellers Choose Panhandle Real Estate Investments
We’re not just real estate investors we’re a trusted resource for homeowners in difficult circumstances. Based right here in Pensacola, we understand the local housing market, including:
- Affordable housing programs and their restrictions
- The challenges of job loss, medical issues, and financial instability
- Emotional and logistical hurdles of relocating on short notice
Our brand is confident, caring, and solution-focused. Every seller gets our full attention and real help — not just a number on a spreadsheet.
Need to Sell Your Home Fast in Pensacola?
If you’re feeling stuck or stressed, you don’t have to face it alone.
We’ll give you a fair, no-pressure cash offer, buy your house as-is, and help you move on your terms whether you’re relocating for work, dealing with a hardship, or trying to avoid foreclosure.
Start the Conversation
Call us today at 850-778-2212 or visit Sell Your House Fast to get a free, no-obligation offer.
We’ll help you take the next step with compassion and confidence.
About Panhandle Real Estate Investments
I’m Peyton Saluto, founder of Panhandle Real Estate Investments. For over seven years, I’ve helped homeowners across the Florida Panhandle find fair and stress-free ways to sell their homes—no repairs, no commissions, and no pressure. My goal is always to put people first and make a real difference in our communities by restoring distressed properties and rebuilding neighborhoods. If you’re thinking about selling, reach out for a no-obligation cash offer. I’d love the opportunity to help you find the best path forward.