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Become a Certified Distressed Property Expert - Class Offered in Southern California

FORECLOSURE! SHORT SALE! PRICE REDUCED! REO! It's in all the headlines and for many real estate professionals, it's not a matter of choice whether we need to work this part of the market...it's only a matter of when. If you're like me, you may be feeling it's time it's time for to gear up for the days ahead. To date I've attended 5 different presentations on how to work with short sales. The only common denominators seem to be that the speakers are saying two things:

1) REALTORS®/Real Estate Agents - it is our responsibility as real estate professionals to help clean up this mess.

2) Most real estate agents are doing it wrong - and each has a different method for doing it right.

Both statements are very compelling. Like many of you, I'm committed to helping as many people as I can during the coming years. But, the second statement sure makes it difficult to know where we should turn for wisdom and training.

While attending the Howard Brinton Star Power Annual Conference in Orlando last week, I was introduced to the Distressed Property Institute (www.cdpenow.com) a Florida based company that I believe has a plausible plan for us to follow. They offer the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation course. The CDPE is endorsed by Howard Brinton Star Power Systems and national brokerage firms. They are offering a two day training session for us in California at a very special introductory price.

What CDPE offers is:

Your Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation Includes:

􀂅 Two Days of Classroom Instruction

􀂅 170+ Page Distressed Property Field Manual

􀂅 Complete Short Sale Forms Disk

􀂅 Checklists for Distressed Situations

􀂅 Foreclosure Solutions Flow Charts

􀂅 Sample Short Sale Package

􀂅 Monthly Follow up Calls & New Information Updates

􀂅 Use of the CDPE Logo and Designation

CDPE has authorized me to share the opportunity with you to attend a two day class on September 8 & 9 in Ontario California. We are currently creating an interest list only of people who are seriously interested in attending the class. If we are able to get 40 people, we will be able to offer the class at a huge discount of $399. They will offer this discount as an introductory price only offered to allow CDPE to break into the California market. The price of their web-based program and live classes are $599 so this will be a great opportunity.

If you need more information CDPE has scheduled a free one hour introductory preview that you can attend by clicking here http://www.cdpenow.com/cdpe_free_previews.html to register or visit CDPE's site at www.cdpenow.com.

Please respond to this blog with your interest in attending so we can get the September 8 & 9 class scheduled. Also, if you'd forward a link to this blog to any of your friends who need to be there, that would be much appreciated!

Please take a moment to read some of the incredible comments below from current and former attendees of this class. They have far more eloquently described their experience and the benefit of the class than I coul ever do!

Posted by Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos| Laguna Real Estate|Marlene Bridges on 08/07/2008 10:07 AM

Comments (85)

short sales, real estate designations, distressed property

Post is included in group: California Short Sales, REO's, and Foreclosures
Post is included in group: Certified Residential Specialists
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Southern California Real Estate Forum

85 Comments on Become a Certified Distressed Property Expert - Class Offered in Southern California

AUG

Sounds interesting. The challenge is that each negotiator that I have worked with has a different format, some are very quick to respond, other you have to wait and wait, and I do not care if the HUD 1 and all the doc's are in, the issue is getting an answer. One complete package I submitted was in the negotiators hand for over a month, they did not want any more info they were waiting for the BPO to come in from an outside agency, and when the BPO came in it was way over the market value for the area. I think your program has merit but I do not see how to work with negotiators and getting an answer on a home in a timely fashion in your program.

Sounds great, marlene. I'd be very interested. More work on distressed so I'd be less stressed is a winner in my book.

Jeff

Hi Lorraine,

Thanks for your comment. I have not taken the class yet, but I know we will be hearing from some of the course graduates. Please stop back to read their comments.

Marlene

Hi Jeff,

Looking forward to seeing you at the class!

Marlene

The more education on distressed properties there will give better info to consumers.

Hi Sally,

That's absolutely the goal. It's imperative we get this training so we'll be able to do the best possible job for our clients.

Marlene

This is one the best investment I have made in my profession. This training just open a big door for me in the world of short sales. I am excited about all the knowledge I adquire and I am certainly using this knowledge to get more listings and closed deals.

The CDPE is an amazing class. I just completed the first day, and the information I have received so far is worth what what I paid for the course ten times over! I have a completely different perspective and understanding of the short sale process. I am excited to learn more tomorrow! Every Realtor should have this designation!

I have attended the CDPE class with Alex and Cadey. It is excellent.

With the Short Sale/Foreclosure "niche" growing into such a significant market share of our potential business, you cannot afford to ignore...or walk away from it. You also cannot afford to enter either side of the transaction without being fully informed.

This course gives you all the tools and confidence to succeed and grow your business.

Dick Lee, GRI, CDPE, MBA

www.LeeRealtyTeam.com

Hi All, I took the Certified Distressed Property Expert class in April 2008. Prior to the class, my success was hit or miss where I was closing about 1 of 10 short sale listings. After the class, my success went to 9 of 10 closings. I no longer consider short sales to be a bothersome waist. I now welcome them and run advertisements to attract them. I'll close over 200 transactions this year with short sales making up about 25 percent of my business. Regarding the course, I can wholeheartedly say that this class is one of the best educational experiences of my 15 year real-estate career! It is a fast paced, glue to your seats experience. I felt like the firehose of education was stuck in my mouth! I look forward to taking the class again soon to truly master what I learned. Regarding price, after taking the class, I would gladly have paid triple and felt I got my money's worth! Don't miss out! It will change your career, guaranteed! If you have any specific questions, please email me directly at david@eiglarsh.com. Best of luck.

The numbers you will hear at the this training session are mind boggling. We will be in this market for the next 10 to 15 years, minimum! I tok this course and on the drive home I all but listed a property. While on vacation 2 weeks ago I got an e-mail from someone who did a google earch and found me. She said I was the only Realtor who responded so quickly and I was the only one willing to do her short sale! This course will give you the confidence to know what your talking about and convey the information to your prospects effectively. Please do us other Realtors a favor, either take this course or refer the business to someone who has. I am sick and tired of dealing with Realtor who are "Short Sale Experts" Well I'll tell you right now I'm no "short sale expert", I'm a Certified Distressed Property Expert!

Hi All,

I took the class from Alex in Maryland and I must say that it was the best money I have spent in my 19 years of real estate. It really gave me a true understanding of how this whole thing works and how to educate my sellers and buyers. I now feel that I can help people try to stay in their homes or help them with a short sale to keep them from going to foreclosure. The more of us (realtors) that truly understand it, the better we can help each other get these deals closed. This mess is not going away anytime soon.Since about 50% of the business is short sales,we owe it to ourselves and the public to understand how this works. I am now not afraid to try to help someone in this situation, where before I tried to avoid them.

Best of luck to all of you,

Terri

I can't say enough about the CDPE course. Like others who have already posted, I found this to be, by far, the very best and most important training in my career. It prepared me to respond to the very real need that homeowners have in today's upside down market. What a GREAT feeling to know that I've helped someone escape the "Scarlet Letter" that a foreclosure will forever have on their credit and possibly even their employment.

The icing on the cake is that these Sellers will truly be our clients for life. The gratitude they will feel gives them every reason to refer buyers, sellers, and other distressed property owners to the one Realtor who actually "listened" empathized, and did not judge them for the circumstances they found themselves in. One part of the training that really stands out for me is what Alex refers to as One Bad Month. How easy it is for someone to spiral out of control because of just one bad month. It can and does happen to good people every day. With this CDPE training and designation these sellers are in the hands of an experienced professional.

And yes, the price is more than worth it. I'll take it again once the class comes to Virginia!

I'm halfway through the class (for the second time) and it just keeps getting better and better. My wife and I are now ready to open up the flood gates and finally make our friends, neighbors and community members finally have the type of professional representation that they've so desperately needed and deserved. Alex and his team may be up for some Nobel Prize before this thing is over. It's, no doubt, the most comprehensive class, of any kind, that I've ever taken and one that is probably the most relevent we will ever take in our lifetime.

Hello:

I helped organized a similar event in my home State of Maryland. I couldn't figure out why such a number of people in my office alone were reluctant to take a class that will outline their real estate practices for at least the next 2 years!

Short Sales, Pre-Foreclosures are the new wave of Real Estate right now.

I decided to adapt my business in order for me to survive. .after a little convincing, I gathered enough people to participate for the two days of CDPE training.

All these students were so impressed with this class that "other" brokers learned about it . . and I just learned that Alex is coming back to Maryland for a second round in September.

To be honest with you, I almost wish he didn't. . LESS COMPETITION FOR ME!

The most significant reason to become a CDPE is that you can HELP people and feel certain that you are the BEST REALTOR out there that can really help them. . .and they are lucky to have called you.

I attract several people now because I advertise myself this way:

Less than 1% of Realtors in the US have the CDPE designation. When a foreclosure in on the line. . shouldn't you be talking to an expert in Distressed Properties?

I got a call from a divorce attorney, he found me in Google. He wants me to put a home for sale in short sale for a divorcing couple. All because of my designation.. . he is an expert in divorces, he want someone that is an expert in short sales.. .Easy Listing!

I currently have 18 short sales listings, 5 under contract, I'm not the type to write a long testimonial just like that. . .but for the CDPE Institute, I can certainly say that I owe them a lot!

I'm enclosing a picture of my billboard to show you that YOU SHOULD ADAPT YOUR BUSINESS to the current market conditions. . .or be RUN OVER BY THE COMPETITION!

CDPE is a NO BRAINIER! I strongly recommend it to anyone "OUTSIDE MARYLAND, DC AND VIRGINIA" that is. .

Please email me. . if you have any questions Fernando@ReallyNiceHomes.com

short sales maryland

I really thought I could avoid short sales, foreclosures, etc and continue with a successful career in Real Estate until reality set in. The CDPE class is the best education I have ever received! This class has been my saving grace. It was so good when I took the class in April 2008 that I am now taking it again to get updated on any new developments.

Hey Marlene,

Sounds like you've got a couple of great testimonials going on for this class. I just may be interested myself.

LORRAINE & LORRETTA--Your comments and concerns are one of the most consistent descriptions of how the Short Sale negotiations go for most of the agents that are involved. To me, the true strength of this course is the understanding it gives you of the entire process from the perspective of the Seller AND the Lender. By knowing what to expect and how to present the information properly you will be able to swing the pendulum to your favor. The process and systems you will learn will help guide you to successfully anticipate the necessities of the lender or investor and in turn will make your Short Sale successful. How powerful is to have the answers before they become questions? It's not about learning any "secrets," there are none. This course is also about gaining proper mindset to elevate your presentation and gain the credibility with the Lenders/Investors that will finally let your professionalism shine through. In the end, the professionals get noticed and are treated as such.

I'd like to offer you my expertise in this field as I am a graduate of the Certified Distressed Property Expert, I'm more than willing to back up my words. It is also very important to all CDPE's to help as many people as we can whether you are a Seller, Buyer, another Agent and especially a Loss Mitigator.

I attended the 2-day seminar with Alex here in Maryland. Not only did it make me feel more qualified for this distressed market, but it made me feel more qualified as a Realtor for any market. Webinars, emails and on-line classes are wonderful, but it can't compare to seeing and hearig Alex live. Not only will you learn how to help homeowners out of a distressed situation, you learn how to de-stress yourself.

I highly recommend attending anything that is offered by CDPE.

Every day I am inundated with emails, calls etc. regarding foreclosure classes, most of which I delete & disregard (as is probably true of most Real Estate Agents these days!). When I heard that Alex & Cadey were offering a class, I signed up immediately. I've had the opportunity to hear them speak before and I knew that this class would be worth the time and money spent. They are a very dedicated & knowledgeable team, not to mention fun to listen to ~ and their numbers speak for themselves! I did not want to focus on the foreclosure market, but realized, that at least I needed to understand it. The class was amazing! They give you every tool & document needed to "successfully" handle a pre-foreclosure situation and answer questions intelligently. I have several clients that I am currently working with and allinvolve some form of property distress -- I am so thankful that I took the time to attend the CDPE course and for their on-going support. I believe we are going to need & use this information for quite some time.

I'm a South Florida Realtor for 30 Years,hands on experience. the Certified Distressed Property Course was such an Eye-Opener; many of the obstacles are foretold with examples by the Instructor/foreclosure specialist.My confidence level was given a Boost-now I'm able to address most of the multitude of questions people ask about the short sale/ foreclosure process .The Instructors took great care to keep the concepts easy to understand ; as well as providing an extensive notebook of forms to keep us agents on track with the process- outlined step by step.This has been my Best seminar Value in many years.Their after -Seminar support has been very helpful.I have been much more effective in Real Estate as a result of this training.

Marlene-I think it's super that you're are organizing the CDPE in your neck of the woods! I personally took Alex and Cady's class and it was OUTSTANDING! They give you every tool, every opportunity to market your listings, follow up conference calls! They are a top shelf team! They also kept the class EXTREMELY interesting! I was very reluctant to do short sales and since their class I have a great road map to follow with ease! Their numbers speak for themselves. In this market it's important for all of us to at least have something to follow. I was at another seminar that didn't compare. This was worth way more than what I paid. Good luck!!! You'll love it!

It was an enhancement in my Carrier to take this class and more of all a way to get prepared to help no only myself, but more than anything to help my costumers and on the way help my community to survive this crises.

I will take the second day of this CDPE course tomorrow Friday 8/8/2008 in Boca Raton FL, and I can say that comparing it to another Short Sale training I received from a trainer who sells his program for almost $1k. This is by far a much better value that will teach you how to get it done with up to date info from a team that is still successfully doing it. Most of the other trainers, are now just trainers cashing in on the demand... A no brainer to me.

As a broker in South Florida I have seen my business diminish over the last few years. Today my wife and I completed the initial day of the CDPE class and can see a new direction to get our earnings back on track. The class is extremely informative and will give all graduates the confidence and knowledge to take on and successfully close short sales. We now realise this is an area of the business you MUST have a share of in order to be successful in today's market...and you won't be successful in short sales without the CDPE designation. I can't wait to complete the CDPE program and get my business back on track.

Richard Salter

Salter Realty $ Investments, Inc.

I have been in the Real Estate business for 20 years and taken many real estate classes, this was by far one of the BEST trainings. Alex provided us with ways to make a short sale happen, he even flow charted the process. The best part is now I do know what to do which gives me the information that I need to help educate sellers about short sales. This takes my business to a whole different level. Thanks Alex, for sharing your extensive knowledge and experience on Short Sales. Francie Whitlock Keller Williams Team Realty, Gaithersburg Maryland. Francie@homesbyFrancie.com

I agree...I was seeing Foreclosures & Short Sales in just about every area I was showing. One day I was showing property to a young couple. They were looking at homes priced below $275,000 in two different zip codes. Of the 19 properties I pulled 12 were either foreclosures or Short Sales. I didn't know much about how either really worked, and I was uncomfortable trying to explain them to my buyers.

A couple of days later I received an email about the CDPE Class, but because I get a ton of emails daily trying to sell me something, I was reluctant to spend the money. After talking with Cadey, I felt at ease that it wasn't another company just trying to "jump on the bandwagon", so I enrolled in the course. The classes weren't at all what I expected --- THEY WERE SO MUCH BETTER!!! I have spent way more for other classes that weren't anywhere near as helpful as this class.

Alex did a great job, and I encourage every agent to take the class. You won't be sorry!

Hi Marlene, I just want to let you know that this class will change the way you think about Real Estate. I took the class in Colorado Springs. I found it to be very informative. Alex and Cadey will give you all the tools that you will need to get the banks to work with you. It is worth every cent that you pay and then some. In my office over twenty people took the class. I have been working at getting more business with this new designation, and I'm very confident that it will change my life. Won't the headlines look great when they read,"Realtors help bring the market back to its feet." If you have any questions or know of someone in my area that I can help please contact me.

Georgia DeVorss CDPE, Broker Associate, Keller Williams Partners, Colorado Springs, Colorado, georgiadevorss@KW.com

I just completed the first day of the course today. I'm impressed with the relevance, depth and breadth of the content, and with the compelling delivery. I'm looking forward to another intense and interesting day tomorrow. My assessment is that the course is well worth the time and the fee. The information, insight and tools for working in today's market are timely and valuable. Halfway through, I can highly recommend the course to real estate professionals seeking to succeed in this challenging period.

Hello to all of those interested in CDPE,

The most important characteristic of being a REaltor is how customer service oriented we are. That is what brings REferrals back to us.

CDPE strengthens our ability to provide better service with better tools and greater knowledge.

The materials are fantastic. The instructor is even better. Always there for you and has the answer.

Nothing more needs to be said- if you want the certification- go for it!

Dinky Smith, proud and certified CDPE

I work as a Realtor in the Orlando Florida area and had the opportunity to see Alex's presentation at Star Power last month and knew there was something different about his approach to Short Sales. It's not just a shot in the dark of sending in a package to a loss mitigator and hoping for a closing, as I've been doing for the past year with limited success; about 25% success rate. The Certified Distressed Property expert designation is a proven SYSTEM that works to help homeowners get out of a bad situation. I decided to not wait for the Orlando class in October and drove 3 hours to get my designation as soon as possible; and I couldn't be more pleased with the information I've been given after one day. Please feel free to email me with any questions. matt@aorlandohome.com

Took this class 6 months ago and it is the most professional and thorough class!

Alex is an excellent instructor and there is just so much to absorb. The materials

you leave class with are amazing. I am ready to take it again! It was worth every penny!

Hello All,

I took the CDPE class in Maryland. I have delt with the short sales in the past but the information provided in the class was priceless. It gave me a much more clear way to deal with all the steps it takes to get the short sale through. I had a settlement on a short sale today that the first contract had fallen through because the buyers gave up because it took longer than they could wait. Part of the problem was the processor first contract to make it all the way through. We received a second contract that was $20,000 lower than the first but since we worked together we were able to get that through. My seller is celebrating, he said he would stand on the corner a tell anyone that will listen about all the help he received. They feel like a huge weight has been lifted and not they are on their way to recovery. The processor called me after the settlement and was just about as excited as my seller, she has already given my contact information to 2 other clients she is currently working with to avoid forclosure.

With the solid foundation I received from this class my team will be able to help many more without killing ourselves in the process. Anyone looking for a better way to serve their client will get a 100 times back.

Hi Marlene,

I just completed my first day of the CDPE course and I am so inspired. I can't wait till I take in all the information tomorrow since it supposed to be more intense. I have been a successful Realtor for about 22 years and this market has really thrown me. This course is just what I needed. I now know exactly what I need to do to get my current listings sold and what I'm going to do to list "a bunch" of short sale listings which will help people keep their homes and also increase my income. It will be a win-win! By the way, as my three teenagers would say, Alex is "sick" - that's how good he was today. Take the course - you will be amazed!!! Best of luck to everyone - may we all make a lot of money and help people while we do it! :) Eileen

Good Evening Marlene,

I understand that you are trying to get a class for CDPE out in your area. I am a Keller Williams Agent out of Dallas Fort Worth area closing between 250-275 homes per year and have a team of 12. I learned of the CDPE class thorugh a thirty minute group call. I immediately got on a plane and flew to Colorado Springs and took the class. You do not know Gary Keller, but if you did you would understand that when I say the Alex & Cadey will inspire and keep you on the edge of your seat like Gary does, that is huge!! Anyone that can inpsire and motivate me to work three times as hard for 2/3rd's of the commission to make sure that I am there when the people really need help, that is genius! I would encourge anyone and everyone to take this class so we all can work shorts at a much higher level and help those that truely need your help and have been told that they cennot be helped. This class is like a water hose spraying at your face and you are trying to drink it all in.

I would like to tell you about one of the short's that I am currently working on, The husband is 55 has severe arthritis and diabetes and cannot move around his wife who is trying her best to take care of him is mentally challenged with an IQ of probably 70 (bless her heart) are being told by their mortgage company that they are going to be foreclosed on and have to get out of their home now! Over my dead body. This is what this is all about, I will fight to make sure that everyone knows about this and am now speaking in their behalf to the collectors and keeping them at bay. This is why we need CDPE. The mortgage company believes that I know what I am doing and is completely receptive to helping these folks out now that they know that they are in good hands. I have rallied all of our vendors and asked for them to jump in and help us help these folks. Thank you Alex & Caney!!

Kurt Buehler CDPE,ABR,CRS,RFS
Keller Williams Realty

I've just been through Day 1 of the CDPE - and it was packed full of tremendous information and insights to the short sale and foreclosure market. I have been denying this market for far too long thinking it was a negative market with too much negative energy with people (sellers) suffering and in distress. In fact i had a huge Ah ha today in that we are actually helping people in distress and saving them from the dire consequences of foreclosure which in most cases seems to be so avoidable. I can't wait for Day 2. More later...

David Hardy, P.A.

Keller Williams Miami

I am a Keller Williams agent and the owner of a short sale negotiating company. I have been closing short sales successfully for 2 years now. The first time Alex taught the class at my office, I declined, because I felt that I already knew how to succeed with short sales. Lucky for me, I dropped my laptop that week and had to sit in our computer area near the seminar room. Even luckier, Alex has a clear, booming voice. I couldn't hear everything though that door, but I heard enough to realize that I had better fork over some money and take the class as soon as possible.

I attended the class the next time around and thought it was phenomenal. I have modified some of my systems and incorporated many of the things Alex suggested in the class. Alex has also been unbelievably generous in answering questions that have come up since the class...you basically get a short sale guru to help you whenever a tricky situation comes up. This class is a "must attend" for the short sale beginner all the way up to the short sale expert.

20 Years-1400+ Sales. Thought I knew more than most including Short Sales until I took the C.D.P.E designation course. Now I have more tools than I previously imagined. In the last 20 years I didn't feel a need to get any designations until I sat in on Alex and Cady's course. It took about an hour to realize this is a must in this market. I am having my best year exer with over 57 sales and it's only August 1st. 60% of my business is now successful Short Sales. Need I say more?

Marlene- I commend you on taking the time, and, putting forth the effort to get the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) course in your area. The distressed homeowners, along with the agents who will attend the course will truly appreciate it.

Lorraine & Loretta - I completely understand the challenge of dealing with different banks and negotiators, and their different expectations. Sometimes, it seems like there's no rhyme or reason, doesn't it?

I wanted to take a moment to address your comment about Marlene's blog entry about the course. Your concern appears to be that the course doesn't address how to work with negotiators or how to get a response from them in a timely manner - that is definitely covered...in detail!! Marlene only touched on a few of the topics that are covered. When you graduate, you not only understand how we got into this mess, you also have the systems to effectively list and sell short sales, and get them approved by the banks! Graduates of the CDPE designation course are reporting an approval rate of around 90%, compared to 10 - 12% for non-CDPE graduates. The CDPE is the most comprehensive and valuable course that I have taken in almost 10 years of selling real estate.

I strongly urge you to "attend" one of the FREE course previews at: http://www.cdpenow.com/cdpe_free_previews.html. From that brief introduction, you will get an idea of the value that the course provides. If that's not enough, they even have a money back guarantee. I haven't seen any other courses offer that...not that you'd want your money back after attending a couple of hours of the course!

Listen, if you're anything like we are, you're in this to help people. What we've learned through earning the CDPE designation has allowed us to help significantly more people that we could have without it. Without it, we would likely have done more harm than good to our clients. The knowledge was worth the admission cost several times over.

We are proud graduates of the CDPE designation course. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Dan and Michael Nathanson - www.NathansonBrothers.com - www.ForeclosureAvoidanceHotline.com

I've taken lots of real estate courses but the CDPE course in undoubtedly the best course that I've taken. It is very practical, down to earth, no "fat", well though out, and well taught course. I've taken other "short sale" and "foreclosure" courses and purchased material. If I had taken the CDPE course about a year and a half ago when I first started to become interested in short sales I could saved myself much more than the c(ost of the course. This course is one of the best values in real estate education that I've seen.
Alex, Cadey and the Distressed Property Institute have done an out standing job of putting together this program. They speak from EXPERIENCE! They have been there, done it and bought the tee-shirt. The professionalism and knowledge exuded by Alex and Cadey is unmistakable.
I began speaking to Cadey and Alex to bring the program to Maryland several months ago and was finally rewarded with their presence. Since then we have established a great network of CDPE REALTORS in Maryland with mastermind sessions and a specific group on Yahoo for MDCDPEs (http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/MDCDPE/). NONE of this would have been possible with the Distressed Property Institute.

Since the course (about a month ago) I've listed one short-sale and the ones that I had listed prior to the course I've made a few modifications. I feel much more confident and compentent working with distressed homeowners. I actually feel much better working with short sales because I truly do belive that without my help they would be in a much worse financial and emotional condition.

I recently had a transaction as a buyer's agent in a short sale. It became obvious the 30+ year "experienced" agent had no flipping clue as to what he was doing. The buyers, after almost 16 weeks, withdrew the offer. If I had taken the CDPE course before the transaction I think I could have had a better outcome working with the listing agent and perhaps making some suggestions.

Alex is coming back to Maryland with TWO courses in September. A broker in the first class is sponsoring one course and another large national real estate company is sponsoring the other. I think this is evidence of how well the course was received in our area and the demand.

Paul Bowling, CDPE, ePRO, GRI
Keller Williams Select REALTORS
Annapolis, MD

AUG

Simply stated, this is THE quintessential Distess Sale course to take. I have taken Floyd Wickman and several others given by title companies. There is no comparison. Alex is an excellent presenter in addition to the up to the minute and pertinent information given. He is very knowledgable and thorough in his detail. He allows our many questions and stays on topic and on track. I have taken Day 1 thus far and feel like a sponge hanging on his every word. You do not want to miss this course! It should be required by our licensing board.

Additionally, this course will undoubtedly assist you in regular, non-short sale listings with the great forms provided and brilliant ideas presented.

I am truly amazed at what I have learned...and all so painlessly too!

I'm taking the Distance Learning CDPE course over the internet given by Alex. I have been doing short sales in Nothewest Florida full time for over a year & this class has been an excellent tune-up. Alex's material is well prepared & he is very knowledgeable. In the Short Sale Gurus business model the focus is primarily to support listing & selling agents by handling the total short sale transaction from qualification, consulting, pricing, and negotiation for a 1.5% fee happily paid by the buyer. Short Sale Gurus delivers an average 80% success rate to those agents that dont have the interest or skills to complete the transaction. This also allows the listing & selling agents to successfully participate in the exploding distressed property business, receive their full commission, while maintaining their traditional business model.If you would like additional information, I can be reached at

Joseph Baranowski.

Short Sale Gurus LLC

33 Grizzly Street, Freeport, FL 32439

Office: 850-502-4125

Cell: 850-685-6045

Fax: 888-624-1109

Email: joeb40@gmail.com

I think every Realtor should take this course. The New Found confidence is amazing I highly reccomend this course.

I took the CPDE class with Alex in South Florida. I have closed many deals that I otherwise would not even have taken the challange to do. The course is outlined very well and walks you through the steps from beginning to close. Prior to the class I had attended several short sale seiminars, but nothing competes with the in-depth, professional class that Alex teaches. You will leave the class with everything you need to take a listing and process the file in a professional manner. You will also leave the class and know which business should be left behind.

I have only completed day one of the two day class, and I can tell you I think it is fabulous. Earlier this summer I attended the Florida conventions for both real estate attorneys and the Florida Association of Mortgage Brrokers, for a total of six days of classes. This class is more valuable than both those conventions put together! DO IT NOW!

This is a great course for any real estate agent. I took the 2 day course and was very pleasantly surprised. After several very mediocre short sale seminars, i was reluctant to take another course, but I had heard so many positive comments form my colleagues at Keller Williams who had taken the Certified Distressed Property seminar that I had to take a chance.

Phenomenal course that went above and beyond my expectations. They answer every questions and provide you with a very good road map of how to succeed with short sales. Additionally, they offer great support and guidance after you take the course and have received the designation.

I highly recommend this course to anyone practicing real estate. They know their subject matter extremely well since they have completed quite a number of short sales themselves and are still actively doing the business.

If anyone has any questions about this class or the designation, please feel free to contact me.

Alex convinced me I needed this class as I saw what was happening in the south Florida market. I must admit, I have not taken a more valuable class in the 16 years in realestate and I have taken a lot. The systems he teaches, when you follow them, result in the banks willing to listen and respond favorably- always. When I get courtesy calls from the bank saying they got my package and telling me when they will respond ( even a $30,00 second that will take $1000-$1500), I know it works. Our SOuth Florida real estate market is over 50% short sales and foreclosures. You cannot afford not to take this course if you want to THRIVE in this market.

I have made several sellers cry, but they are happy now because I was honest and I helped them out of a terrible situation.

TAKE THE CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Neat idea. I completed a week long course in GA and have a state designation for foreclosures.

As a hard money lender I had the great privilege of meeting Cadey and Alex Charfen and learning about the fantastic work they do to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and get them out of very stressful situations. As I learned more about what they do and got to know them personally, I was inspired to sign up for the CDPE.

I thought I would receive basic knowledge during the CDPE course. It turns out that I received everything I needed including forms and a system to grow my real estate business quickly and efficiently. At that time, I really had no desire to work in the retail real estate business. My 14 years in the business had left me bored and unmotivated.

After attending the course, I realized that I can make a difference in this market. I am not just driving people around; I am saving home owners from foreclosure and helping them to sleep a little easier at night in addition to educating new buyers and helping them realize their dreams.

Advantages of the class and the national CDPE community: Open, honest communication and accessibility to Alex, Cadey and the CDPE graduates. I was provided with a professional book so I could focus on what they were saying and not on writing. I also received a forms disk, and education on how to set up a system to work smarter not harder. Alex is very analytical and provides quantified statics during class and to the community via email and conference calls.

Challenges of the class and the CDPE community: So much information was provided in class that I had to read the book several times. Furthermore, the up to date statistics on the going housing concerns are very sad and the stories that the graduates share are hard to stomach especially when they are stories about other real estate agents/brokers/Realtors not wanting to help with short sales or taking listing and not knowing how to really handle the sale resulting in a foreclosure.

Patrice Krupa, MBA, CDPE

WOW! - I posted this blog yesterday morning, then went on with the day's work and a fun evening out. This mornine, I came back to an incredible number of great comments. Thank you so much to all who have responded. You have confirmed that this is absolutely one of the best investments we as real estate professionals can make in our businesses. It sounds like we are all people of like mind---not just in survival mode, but seriously seeking to help a lot of people who find themselves in a difficult or seemingly impossible situation.

Wow! I would love to get this training... I'm in South Carolina and have not heard of anything of this sort available in this area. Does anyone out there know of anything in South Carolina?

Hi Celina - Check out the website http://www.cdpenow.com/cdpe_free_previews.html . You may need to take a drive to Orlando, Florida. It would certainly be well worth the trip!

Marlene, How totally wonderful to see you on and this certainly is a course that sounds very interesting. I have read through the many comments and this sounds like the course to be considering. Thanks for providing the link and I requested the report and will read it through. Many Thanks and it is wonderful to see you on. Hope this is a sign that you will be back putting posts on regularly and rekindling old friendships. With a big smile, I remain,

William

I'd like to take a moment to add my thoughts about the CDPE course. I have taken several classes over the years (including a 5 day foreclosure/short sale class) but none have been as comprehensive as the CDPE course. Alex and Cadey bring it all together with a complete system; including start-to-finish forms, flow carts, and tips for maximizing your time. Armed with their knowledge, we can bring about a successful conclusion to a very stressful period in a homeowners life. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is considering signing up for it.

Jim Thompson

Keller Williams Preferred Realty

Westminster, Colorado

Great Blog and good qestions. I can tell you first hand that here in Colorado Springs we were forced into short sales as our foreclosure market continues to expand. I had listened to a conferene call with the CDPE institute and realized that we needed to have them come to our area. So I called Alex at the web site www.cdpenow.com and asked him if he could come out and give a seminar. No problem, he replied. So I helped advertise the seminar and the rest is history. Let me tell you what has heppened since. The CDPE agents that were certified there are now part of a group called CLICK CDPE. And we are organized and structured to the point that we are meeting with large lead generators regarding short sales. We no longer go out to get business. It all comes to us. Because we are CDPE and we are organized and we are presented as non-preditor realtors looking to help. We don't want commissions we want to help. We have set up monthly classes for the public to come and educate themselves on what to do to avoid foreclosure. We meet at the police sub stations around town. We meet weekly with lead generators. Lead generators are Banks, Consumer Credit Counseling programs, Refinancing instiutions, Loan institutions, and anywhere that might do financial counceling including insurance agents that sell life insurance. There is many people that are dong just fine with there finances but they just having a bad deal on the home issues. All of these lead generators are sending in leads to one number and one person who then sends that information out to a CDPE member. So far we at the beginning but we have been noticed by the state governement as an entity that may be able to help the state with a foreclosre hotline of sort that they currently have now but is overwelmed and not doing the same service we do.

So I think you would want to not only invest in youselves and get the CDPE certification but also consider the fact that the CDPE certification is nationally reconized. This is not just a deal where go to the class and you are done. The CDPE program is complete with submission packages and scripts. The feedback I got just last week was that the bank has said, we submitted more than what was required and so complete that they did not need to consider other action except accepance. They were so impressed with the CDPE package they wanted to know if they could copy the package and use it as their own package to send out for use with other short sales. Since it was copywritten I told them they could not. But see how impressive it is to have the CDPE and our clients are impressed with a Realtor that knows how to speak the language of the Mortgage company. I have personally been able to negotiate 2 loan modifiactions. No commissions but very happy clients and leads from those clients keep coming in every week. So you see the CDPE program is a very complete program and a serious one. Not a sign up and go away with a few pieces of paper trade show program, a real certified national program. I also have the CDPE insitute coming to Denver in September, if you want to take a little vacation. When we had them come to Colorado Springs last June, we had people coming from Texas, New Mexico and Florida just for the that event. So in my opion, I would not choose to go anyhere else but to the CDPE institute and then realize that this is just the beginning of a business dicispline that you can market and use in your Real Estate Career.

Randy Sanger, Active Rain

I took the CDPE class earlier this year. It has made a world of difference in my business. I can talk to and help my clients will all of their needs. I have been in the business for 14 years and thought I knew it all when it came to foreclosures and short sales. Boy, was I wrong! I was able to learn so much from taking this class. This was the best investment I could have made in my business. I have recommended this class to all of my co-workers and friends.

Wanda Devoe, P,A., CRS,CDPE, Broker-Associate, ReMax PowerPro Realty

Wow, Marlene - what a terrific response and tremendous accolades about this class. How can you go wrong? I am looking forward to more details.

Jeff

Alex and Cady are by far the best short sale specialists available to teach this course. If you are selling property in 2008, you would be at a terrible disadvantage not to have this information. The value far exceeds the investment.

Today, when I followed up with a lender on a pending short sale, I was complimented on the package that I sent to her. She told me that it was the most complete one that they have received, and they would schedule the appraisal immediately. It was a good way to "start a relationship" with this lender, for sure!

Laurie Otto, P,A., CDPE, Broker-Associate, ReMax PowerPro Realty

AUG

Hi Marlene, Yes I've actually gotten a few phone calls for this....and I found it interesting that you said not if but when. I'm still fighting not having to do these....so we'll see.

What an incredible outpouring of praise from so many who have attended the class. I'm so looking forward to being there to soak up lots of knowledge and know how from some people who genuinely care and have such wisdom to impart.

Marlene

AUG

The CDPE class will provide you with a wealth of knowledge critical to doing business in the market today. The information you receive is detailed and comprehensive. Alex and Cadey do a tremendous job presenting and they are readily available to answer all your questions and provide any help you might need. What you are getting is a turn-key system designed to grow your business by providing a service that helps distressed property owners. I highly recommend it!

Chad Fowler - Keller Williams Realty

Seattle, WA

Hi Chad - Thanks so much for your comment. I can't wait till September 8th! I'm on the webinar with Alex and Cadey right now. They are an incredible resource of information. They don't just give it lip-service...they're really delivering!

Bottom line, they want to help us to help our clients.

I just took the class last week and I loved it. I was very reluctant to attend since my previous experiences with so called short sales seminars had been poor, at best.

Alex is a terrific speaker, he is very knowledgable about short sales and the course is well put together.

Make the commitment to attend, we all have a responsibility to our communites and to our clients to as prepared as we can be.

www.pattydasilva.com

AUG

Hi Patty,

Looking forward to hearing about your success in putting all that great information to work.

All the best to you,

Marlene

The title of your blog piece, certainly is a testiment to the times we are dwelling in! I don't know whether to laugh or cry!

Without a doubt there is a need for that kind of certification - especially when it comes to navigating the morass of "short-sales."

Hi Myrl,

It is a sad commentary on where we are...but we must be proactive in helping people out of the mess we're in now. My goal is to get the best training possible and work like crazy to get the job done for as many people as I can.

Hello Marlene,

I literally have not stopped (aside from sleeping) working since I left the class on Friday.

I am putting together a market plan, informing my friends/customers/clients and the community of my expertise.

I have already started to receive positive feedback, I am sure leads are soon to follow.

Have a wonderful day!

www.pattydasilva.com

Excellent Marlene,

You are so right. And our mastermind team is doing well because of the CDPE institute. Great check list too Marlene. Like you said. they leave nothing to chance, they leave nothing out and they have a complete and comprehensive package that not just a class on short sales it is true to a seminar type program. They are working on getting Continuing Education Credits applied to the Seminar in Colorado. That is how strong and qualified this seminar IS.

AUG

I attended the CDPE training in Naples Florida and I have to say that it was the best seminar I have attended in years. I have never been to a meeting before that I did not want to see end. The information just kept coming and coming. I used the support materials and sample packets the first day after the meeting with much success.

I would recommend this training for anyone interested in helping your clients through a devastation situation.

AUG

I attended the CDPE training class about four month ago and I'm glad I did it. Alex and Cadey really know their stuff and they are really passionate about it. Thank you very much for everything you guys are doing in the real estate world, you're really making a different. Any realtor out there who have not take the CDPE class, go, go don't walk run. You'll be glad you did.

AUG

Marlene, the number of "short sale classes" being offered around here grew to such a high number that I started ignoring the emails. But few weeks ago I received one that was a certification class. I think it may be this one and it will be worthwhile looking into it. Thanks for reporting on this.

AUG

I am interersted in attending~ Jane Grant, Southwest Real Estate

I took the CDPD class in Miami and was quite pleased. The content was excellent. Alex Charfen's presentation of the material was outstanding. After the class, Alex & Cadey followed-up to check on the progress of my Short Sale business and offer valuable advice. If you want to help more people to reach their goals, then you have an obligation to know this material.

AUG

Hi. Please put me down on the interest list for Sept 8/9. thanks1

AUG

Hi Marlene, I am interested as well. I will do my research. Please put me down.

AUG

Hi Marlene,

Great post! Another great way to get exposure for your listings is by posting them on Viscape.com, a social marketplace site for buying, selling, and renting vacation properties. It's completely free to post your listings. Here's the link to get started: http://viscape.com/properties/wizard/start.

Thanks for the great blog,

Misty

SEP

Marlene,

Jennifer and I are interested in attending the class. Is it to late are can you make room for us? Please forward any information.

SEP

Marlene . . . Bring the clas to Hawaii and you'll have a flooed of adttendees. We have almost the same law. Thanks for the post.

Aloha

Jim

Hi Marlene,

Jim is right, we need that class here!

Thanks for keeping up your excellent posts.

Aloha,

Richard Dolbeare

NOV

We have added a ton of classes to our schedule, click here to see them.

Alex Charfen
www.cdpe.com

I wish I had been able to take a course like that.

NOV

Jeanette:

You can...

Our schedule is here.

Have a great one!

Alex

DEC

I thought I was ALREADY working with an experienced short sale team, that is until I took the CDPE course. I strongly recommend this training to anyone looking to really crush the competition in 2009. Some of the marketing ideas that I am picking up from other CDPE's across the nation are unbelievable.

Thanks again to Alex, Cadey and the rest of the CDPE team!

JAN

MARLENE,

The CDPE Family is growing by the day. It is just the most amazing thing to witness the incredible groth of this designation.

Become a CDPE Today

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