How can they take such a dive?

[Caesar Valle]

I've been wondering this for quite a while now, but I just need someone with some experience to help me out and explain it to me.

What makes a homeowner take such a dive when negotiating with an investor? I mean foreclosure, divorce...whatever they've paid a mortgage for so so many years and how can they just submit to a price of 50%-75% below market value. Also if they are in trouble why wouldn't they just want to sell the house with an agent. I understand it takes longer but would they really go that far down just to sell fast?

Another question too...

What kind of things do you tell that homeowner to convince them to take your offer of 50-75% below market value.

I'm just finding really hard to comprehend the fact that even in their complex/troublesome situation would they really throw all they money away?

-Caesar