Angela Powell of EXIT Team Realty of Hinesville has earned the certified distressed property expert designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales.
Powell said in the Liberty and Bryan County area, more than 161 homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.
“This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said Powell. “It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.”
She explained that short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures, she said.
Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said real estate agents, such as Powell, with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.
The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for real estate agents helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.
“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.
For more information about CDPE designation or to find a certified distressed Realtor in your area, please call 1-800-482-0335
For more information about EXIT Team Realty, call 408-8000.