72-year-old woman forced to leave home after 20 years, struggling to find someone new – WSOC TV

GASTON COUNTY, NC – A daughter has nowhere else to turn after her 72-year-old mother was forced out of the rental she called home for the past two decades.

Homes are selling as fast as the signs post, and so quickly that the woman is forced to move out because the owner is selling the house.

“We called everywhere. I beg. “She’ll be fine, rent her out.” We don’t have any,” said her daughter, Cindy Pilkington.

[ WSOC SPECIAL SECTION: Affordable Housing Crisis ]

Real estate agent Matthews Hanks said it’s not uncommon now. He said builders slowed down during the recession from 2008 to 2012. Right now, the market is hot and there are very few homes available.

Homes are selling for between eight and 13 percent more than they were last spring, he said.

[ ALSO READ: ‘Stressed’: Residents take stand after being told to leave extended stay hotel ]

Pilkington says her mother’s monthly rent is $800. She said most owners now want $1,200, much more than her mother can afford.

>> In the video at the top, Channel 9’s Ken Lemon speaks to the family, who say they don’t blame the landlord for putting the house up for sale.

(SEE BELOW: Charlotte city leaders propose $12.4 million plan to build affordable housing)