While the depths of the Great Recession are behind us and short sales and foreclosed homes have decreased in frequency, there are still plenty of distressed properties where the owner needs help getting out of a tough situation. The Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource certification is an official designation from the National Association of Realtors for agents with special training in the area of distressed properties.
How Agents Earn the Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification
To earn the Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource certification, an agent must be a member in good standing of the National Association of Realtors. A Realtor then must complete a course on Short Sale and Foreclosure properties.
The required course is available online through Realtor University or through a one-day, classroom based class. In addition to the required coursework, an agent must also complete one of the SFR electives.
Why You Should Hire a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Agent
If you are a homeowner facing foreclosure or a short sale on an underwater property, it is important that you work with a knowledgeable agent who will protect your best interests when selling. Any agent can help you with a home sale, but Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource certified agents are better qualified to assist in these situations.
When you are facing foreclosure or a short sale, your personal finances are already strained. Rather than risking your family’s livelihood with an average agent, you are best off with an agent who has the training and specialization in this type of property sale.
As a buyer and investor, SFR certified agents are a best choice to help you keep your costs down and complete your transaction quickly and without problems. Having a qualified agent will save time and money where you are looking to make the best return on your investment.
Some of the benefits of hiring a SFR Certified agent include:
- Referrals to legal, tax, and financial professionals with experience dealing with similar situations
- Experienced assistance negotiating with lenders
- Tap into buyer demand from known distressed property investors
- Knowledge of how to quickly and easily sell your property to move on from your situation
As a buyer, working with an SFR can give you an early look into properties coming onto the market. Lenders develop relationships with agents after working together on multiple property sales, and agents with these types of relationships may get early notice of distressed local properties so they can help the bank dispose of the asset quickly.
How to Find a Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
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