More Help for Homeowners in Danger of Foreclosure
Joshua Suess of RE/MAX of Valencia has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.

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.

In the Santa Clarita Valley, thousands of 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 Suess. "It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Florida, said that Realtors® 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 Realtors 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.
Joshua Suess is with the Suess Home Selling Team at Re/Max 702-4640 www.suesssellshomes.com

Ethics in Real Estate
by Scott Thompson
Not all practitioners of real estate are actually Realtors®. Realtors® in California are licensees of the Department of Real Estate in California that have chosen to join the National Association of Realtors.

This membership requires the licensees subscribe to a strict code of ethics with specific duties to clients, customers, the public and to other Realtors®. There are 17 articles within the code of ethics. For instance, Article 1 states, "Realtors® protect and promote their clients' interest while treating all parties honestly." Article 2 states, "Realtors® refrain from exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts related to property or transactions." Whether you are buying or selling, it is very important to be sure you ask potential agents if he or she is a Realtor®, and of course feel free to ask for a copy of the code of ethics.
Scott Thompson is owner of and Realtor® with Regal Realty of California 373-5636 www.regalrealtyca.com