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Designations, Education, Industry NewsDesignation offers timely information on short sales
In just over two years, the Distressed Property Institute has trained more than 20,000 real estate professionals who have received the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation. Membership has doubled in the last seven months and there are currently 317 CDPE designated agents in Pennsylvania.
The CDPE designation has been endorsed by RE/MAX International, Keller Williams Realty, the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP).
James Matthews with Coldwell Banker Hearthside in Richboro, PA, became certified late last year. “I started selling foreclosed properties and this course has been very helpful. A majority of my business is now short sales,” Matthews said. “People aren’t getting help and they’re unaware of their options. I’m giving them different options and not just trying to sell their property.”
Bryn Mawr REALTOR® Janet Ames with RE/MAX Executive Realty said the two-day course was “chock full of information.” While she’s not focusing her business on short sales at this time she said the information has been helpful. “I’m glad to be trained and aware of what’s happening in that area of the market. The knowledge is helpful for various reasons because it is an overwhelming process. The CDPE website is a wonderful resource,” she added.
The Distressed Property Institute, based in Austin, TX, was cofounded by Alex and Cadey Charfen in January 2008. “We were living in Florida at the time and we saw the beginning of the economic collapse. We were working with people in foreclosure and saw the need for more knowledge about this process,” Alex Charfen said.
“With more than 300,000 foreclosures in January alone and approximately one in six mortgages currently not being paid, this crisis is beyond severe,” he added.
The CDPE training course addresses foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners including short sales, deeds-in-lieu, mortgage modifications, forbearance, refinances and reinstatements, as well as credit, employment and security implications. A two-day course will be offered in Pittsburgh August 23 and 24 and other locations throughout the country. Classes are also available online.
The institute’s website provides information on the short sale and foreclosure processes, as well as information about the federal Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) and Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program.
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Kim Shindle is the Manager of Media Relations at the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®. |
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Hi Doug! No, this course is currently not approved for continuing education credits in Pennsylvania. It is also not recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®. If you would like to take a short sales course that is approved for continuing education credits in Pennsylvania, consider the Short Sales and Foreclosure certification class. (That is approved by the National Association of REALTORS®.) More information can be found on their website: http://www.realtorsfr.org/
I’m one of the 317 CDPE’s and the course is worth it. The knowledge and materials you get really help streamline the whole short sale process.
Hi I was wondering if taking this course and getting my CDPE designations, counts as Cont Ed hours or broker credits in my association?
Thanks,
Doug