11/11/09 - If you want to be a doctor, you go to medical school.  If you want to practice law, you go to law school.  Realtors who want to become specialized in a particular niche of real estate advance their skills by acquiring certain designations and certifications, beyond their normal licensing requirements.  With foreclosures on the rise and the increasing demand for Realtors to be well educated and trained in various aspects of pre-foreclosure related topics, it is imperative that Realtors become proficient in these niche disciplines.  Foreclosures continue to skyrocket and homeowners who may have fallen behind on their payments need to know where to turn to find out more about what options might be available when facing foreclosure.  On a traditional listing, a homeowner is usually hopeful to get the price they're asking.  In a distressed situation, where the homeowner has a legitimate hardship, is behind on mortgage payments, and owes more on their mortgage than the property is worth, they typically must sell quickly to avoid foreclosure.  Realtors must be properly prepared in knowing what to do if a situation like this arises.  As a Certified Default Resolution Specialist (CDRS), Realtors go through a comprehensive training program to learn how to assist in facilitating the decision-making process with a homeowner, to identify the best strategy for a homeowner who may not qualify for a loan modification or special forbearance.  Some might say that it is the homeowner's responsibility to determine which option or alternative may be best for them, given their unique situation, but most homeowners truly don't know what to do in a situation like this.  Reports show that, while some homeowners qualify and are taking advantage of the pre-foreclosure options made available through the Making Home Affordable Program and other government initiatives, too many homeowners are still too afraid to call their lender and find out what other options might be available to them.  In many cases, the first person a homeowner calls when they're in trouble with their mortgage is someone they probably know and trust, who many times is their Realtor.  Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the Realtor knows what to do, what to say, and how to determine the best strategy in moving forward.  Getting the right pre-foreclosure education and training is essential to a Realtor's success in today's market.

 Angela Crookes is a licensed REALTOR® with EXIT First Realty, a member of the Prince Georges County Board of REALTORS®, as well as both the Maryland Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.  Angela Crookes is also a distinguished member of the National CDRS Agent Network, offered through America's Home Rescue, a company whose sole focus is helping homeowners in pre-foreclosure situations by providing education and training to the real estate professionals in their community.

 Angela Crookes provides a free consultation to homeowners who want to find out more about their options if facing foreclosure.

For information: www.TheMDRealEstateCenter.com or
Contact: Angie@TheMDRealEstateCenter.com
Phone: 240-682-0460 (C) 301-843-1111 (O)