Boca Raton, Fla. — August 24, 2010 — More than 30 forward-thinking real estate agents from Keller Williams — Weston recently earned Certified Short Sale Agent (CSSA) designations from Foreclosure.com’s “The Agent University” during a full-day informational seminar in Pembroke Pines.

It was among several live real estate agent training sessions that Foreclosure.com is authorized to deliver throughout the “Sunshine State.”

“I gained more practical knowledge on how to identify which listings would sell quickly and actually close than I have in any other classes I have attended,” said Rich Riveros, a Keller Williams agent who is among the top 1 percent of agents nationwide.

The team at Keller Williams — Weston realized that several servicers are gearing up to list a significant volume of properties in their local marketplace. It needed to ensure that its agents were prepared to ride this looming wave of HAFA short sale listing opportunities straight to the closing tables.

In addition, getting the inside-track on earning the listings from the servicers and providing these homeowners access to its highly-trained team of agents was equally as important for Keller Williams — Weston.

“Certified short sale agents learn everything about the process, from a basic understanding all the way to developing a business plan to attack the market from a proactive position,” said Foreclosure.com Director of Education, Linda Yates. “What’s more, our CSSA program positions agents to obtain bank-approved short sale listings through our proprietary broker network, which is unlike the majority of other short sale training programs.”

In fact, agents who earn their CSSA designations automatically become members of Broker Management Services’ industry-leading nationwide broker network (www.brokermanagementservices.com). Each of these referral sources will be using the CSSA-trained agents featured in Broker Management Services’ network to handle their HAFA inventory.

“In times like these, it is always the early bird who gets the worm,” said Bruce Benenfeld, a Keller Williams broker who also serves as president of Title Express, which saw the opportunity to earn the title business on these transactions by continuing to build their relationship through offering value-added services to their own real estate network. “We want to make sure that our agents are in a position to win the day,” he concluded.

For more information regarding the Foreclosure.com Certified Short Sale Agent program offered through “The Agent University” please visit agentuniversity.foreclosure.com/cssa/index.html or call (866) 382-2439.

Joe Martin — a successful and experienced broker based in Arizona — responds to pressing real estate agent and buyer concerns each month in the “Ask Joe” section of the free Foreclosure.com Agent University newsletter. Below is an excerpt from the July 2010 edition.

First, let’s define what “staging” is for those who have not heard the term before.

Home staging “is the act of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace.” The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money.

Staging techniques focus on improving a property’s appeal by transforming it into a welcoming, attractive product that anyone might want.

Craig Peck, the designated broker of RE/MAX Diamond in Mesa, Ariz., stated he believed staging could reduce days on market (DOM) by as much as 50 to 70 percent.

It appears he wasn’t far off the mark.

Based upon a survey conducted by The International Association of Home Staging Professionals® and StagedHomes.com® of more than 1,000 homes (62 percent vacant, 38 percent occupied) throughout the United States and Canada, it was revealed that 94.6 percent of Accredited Staging Professionals (ASP®)-staged homes sold, on average, in 33 days or less, compared to 196 days on non-staged homes, from Jan. 2010 through May 2010.

Personally, I believe in staging homes, and have always educated my traditional sellers on the advantages of doing so.

Foreclosure staging begins after the property has been vacated and the “initial services” are ordered. An outside vendor comes into the home and performs what is termed a “trash-out” or “clean-out.” The vendor removes all the trash and debris and “broom cleans” the home. The cupboards and cabinets are emptied, counters wiped down, carpets vacuumed, floors swept (sometimes mopped) and all contents (if any) are removed.

All that said, foreclosures are not in the traditional resale market and typically don’t have homeowners or tenants living in them. Accordingly, they are not generally staged on the interior with furnishings, plants and pictures on the wall, as traditional home staging would include.

Foreclosure staging begins after the property has been vacated and the “initial services” are ordered. An outside vendor comes into the home and performs what is termed a “trash-out” or “clean-out.” The vendor removes all the trash and debris and “broom cleans” the home. The cupboards and cabinets are emptied, counters wiped down, carpets vacuumed, floors swept (sometimes mopped) and all contents (if any) are removed.

Also included in the “initial services” is the yard and pool cleanup, which involves basic lawn mowing, debris removal and either securing or starting up the pool, depending on the client. Recurring yard and pool service, along with monthly maid cleaning services are typically ordered to keep the home in selling “show-ready” condition.

Any further staging in foreclosures is going to vary, depending on the marketing strategy chosen by the asset management company or servicer client and the agent in charge of the property. The client chooses between an “as-is” strategy or “repaired” strategy.

Either strategy will include the “initial services” mentioned earlier, but a “repaired” marketing strategy will also include paint, carpet, replacing outlet covers, repairing the landscaping up to installing a new lawn (some HOAs require this and impose fines if not done) or some light rehab in some cases (even extensive rehab on some, but rare).

Some of the little things many REO brokers do, including ourselves, to stage our homes is to install room deodorizers, change the air filters and make sure the entryway is always inviting to the home.

Sometimes, we dress up the entrance with flowers to provide additional ambiance. We also make sure the fan blades are wiped down, top of light fixtures are clean, toilet seats are down and stoves and microwaves are clean inside.

We even carry brooms and cleaning supplies in our cars, just in case any of the homes need sprucing up! In addition, we place property fliers on the counters for potential buyers and provide a toll-free number for all buyers to get information 24/7 on the property.

It appears staging has become more popular lately — real estate agents realize that it shortens the DOM and brings top dollar for the home. More and more staging companies are popping up, too. There are even certifications available to be a staging consultant!

One interesting service has popped up called HomeTending. The service it provides is to stage the home with furnishings to be move-in ready and provide screened short-term cooperative “caretakers” to live in the vacant staged homes.

The “caretakers” pay the utilities. The HomeTender service pays for the pool, lawn service and pest control. If there is an alarm, they will activate and pay for that, too. The HomeTender caretakers are not tenants, but rather a subcontractor who pays a monthly participation fee.

Caretakers are required to carry renters insurance and have the home in “show ready” condition between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET every day. When homes sell, the caretakers have to move out, but will have at least 10 days to pack up their belongings.

On the surface, it appears to have advantages on both sides. As long as the liability issues are handled properly, the staging of the home could very well shorten the DOM and bring in top dollar for the home.

Typically, bank-owned homes are left vacant and unstaged because of the risk of vandalism and extra costs involved.

If you have a burning question for Joe, please email him at AskJoe@foreclosure.com. Joe may just select your question to answer in an upcoming newsletter!

Boca Raton, Fla. — June 15, 2010 — Foreclosure.com today announced that it has added another dynamic training program to the agent-focused certification opportunities that it offers through The Agent University.

The REDC Certified Auction Agent program will help agents — and their buyers — capitalize on the many foreclosed home auctions held by Real Estate Disposition, LLC (REDC) each year. In fact, REDC — one of the most reputable and successful real estate auction companies in the nation — is on pace to hold more than 500 events throughout the United States in 2010 alone.

“Certified REDC auction agents will promote confidence among their buyers that they understand the auction process and know how to get the best deals possible,” says Foreclosure.com Director of Education, Linda Yates. “It’s a strategic move that agents and brokers need to add to their businesses — the potential is off the charts.”

In addition to being the leading real estate auction marketing firm in the country, the REDC group of companies also provides real estate brokerage services, asset management and short sale facilitation. The company has established a dominant position in its industry by selling more than $6 billion in real estate assets at auction in 2008 and 2009 alone.

“This certification is yet another tool that REDC provides agents to be successful in the ever-changing distressed real estate market,” says Dave Lee, REDC Senior Vice President of Client Services. “It’s a fantastic way for them to catch and ride this default tidal wave for as long as it lasts.”

Interested agents need to successfully complete a comprehensive, one-time online educational course to earn their REDC certifications.

For more information regarding the REDC Certified Auction Agent program please visit http://redc.theagentuniversity.com or call us at (866) 382-4445.

Whether it’s online or at a live ballroom mega-auction, REDC Certified Auction Agents will understand how to place successful bids for the benefit of their buyers and earn commissions in the process.

Other REDC Certified Auction Agent benefits include:

• REDC Agent Certificate
• Special insight on how auctions work
• Logos for marketing purposes
• Customizable online property brochure
• Agent/broker Web page
  • Networking with other agents
  • Highlight the agents who are certified on the Web
• Become an expert — YOU want to be a certified agent
• Distinguishable auction lapels
• Meet/greet auctioneer and assistants
• Reserved auction-day seating

For more information regarding the REDC Certified Auction Agent program please visit http://redc.theagentuniversity.com or call us at (866) 382-4445.

Spring has sprung!

We’ve added new courses to Agent University to help you take advantage of not just residential distressed real estate, but the commercial market, too, as winter finally begins to thaw.

We’ve also included important information to help you find and capitalize on leads to keep your business going and growing.

The fallout from the subprime crisis has created unique conditions — residential and commercial distressed real estate are ripe for the picking … as long as you’re equipped with the necessary tools to take advantage of the situation.

It’s an exciting time of year. So let’s gear up now to make the most of it.

Agent University’s monthly newsletter (read it right here) is jam-packed with helpful information, training opportunities and marketing tips that will help you make the most of the spring and summer months ahead. And it’s free.

Sign up to receive the newsletter today! Click here

(Note that the email newsletter sign up is located on the top-left of the page).

Boca Raton, Fla. — March 5, 2010 — Foreclosure.com Director of Education, Linda Yates, will deliver a live, seven-hour Certified Foreclosure Agent (CFA) training course for the benefit of more than 100 agents at ERA® International Business Conference (IBC) 2010, which is scheduled for the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday, March 15, 2010.

“Distressed real estate in general and foreclosures in particular will continue to account for a significant amount of transactions now and in the future,” said Yates. “CFA training puts agents on the forefront of this industry-leading trend. We are honored to bring our certification training to IBC.”

The deal-driven educational seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Seats are already sold out.

WHO: Linda Yates, Foreclosure.com Director of Education, delivering a seven-hour certification course that will teach

WHAT: Live, hands-on Certified Foreclosure Agent (CFA) training at ERA® International Business Conference (IBC) 2010

WHERE: Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center, Bayou E conference room, 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

WHEN: Monday, March 15, 2010, from 8 to 4 p.m. ET.

Remember that Foreclosure.com Agent University certification and training is open to all agents. For a complete list of courses, including the online CFA training course, click here.

About Foreclosure.com Agent University
Foreclosure.com Agent University offers serious real estate professionals the best selection of training opportunities and certification programs available in the industry today. Our designations are universally recognized as the standard of excellence. Certified agents stand out among their peers, closing more deals and earning higher commissions. We provide agents with invaluable knowledge, skills and tools that ensure consistent success … even in the most challenging markets. Our industry-leading certification programs, Certified Foreclosure Agent, Certified Short Sale Agent and Certified Commercial Foreclosure Agent, offer varying degrees of participation at the lowest possible prices.

On the Web
AgentUniversity.Foreclosure.com
www.Twitter.com/foreclosure_com
www.facebook.com/Foreclosurecom

Foreclosure.com Agent University recently issued its latest monthly newsletter, which is geared toward real estate professionals and real estate professionals only.

This month’s edition covers several important topics, including the new HAFA guidelines, which were introduced to streamline the use of short sales as a means of avoiding foreclosure.

Agents and brokers need to be prepared and make the most of this new situation because distressed real estate transactions (short sales, foreclosures, etc.) are going to account for a serious amount of business (and commissions) over the next few years.

And the new changes will go into effect in one month!

You’ll also hear from high-profile experts, Jeff Cole and Joe Martin, who will share their successful “on the ground” experiences and strategies with you to get the most out of your local market.

Our latest Certified Foreclosure Agent (CFA) and Certified Short Sale Agent (CSSA) graduates are also highlighted, as well as the myriad benefits of our industry-leading training programs provide.

So what are you waiting for? Agent University’s monthly newsletter (read it right here) is jam-packed with juicy nuggets and helpful information that can take your business to the next level. And it’s free.

Sign up to receive the newsletter today! Click here

(Note that the email newsletter sign up is located on the top-left of the page).

Foreclosure.com and acclaimed real estate investing expert, Howard Small, will partner during an online training seminar to provide real estate agents with tips and skills to capitalize on foreclosure listings in their areas.

‘Foreclosure Investing Expert: Making Money in Foreclosures’ will be held live online from 4 p.m. to about 5:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010.

To register and/or find out more information visit: http://www.foreclosure.com/education/webinars/making-money-in-foreclosures-370.html

Howard — a well-known and highly successful investor, author, trainer and mentor — will show agents how to help their clients close more homebuying transactions, as well as detail all the applicable federal and state programs available to help them make the most prudent purchase decisions.

“We’re excited to connect our visitors with such a helpful and successful real estate expert such as Howard Small,” said Linda Yates, Director of Education, Foreclosure.com. “In addition to all of the other valuable information that we pack into our Webinars, Howard brings such a high level of expertise to the table that it will ensure there is something of interest — and something to learn — for everyone who participates.”

WHO: Well-known and highly successful investor, author, trainer and mentor, Howard Small, as well as Foreclosure.com Director of Education, Linda Yates

WHAT: ‘Foreclosure Investing Expert: Making Money in Foreclosures 370′ real estate training session offered through Foreclosure.com Agent University

WHERE: Foreclosure.com Webinar Series | Register online for the live virtual presentation at:
http://www.foreclosure.com/education/webinars/making-money-in-foreclosures-370.html

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, from 4 p.m. to about 5:30 p.m. ET

This course is offered through Foreclosure.com Agent University, which offers serious real estate professionals the best selection of training opportunities and certification programs available in the industry today.

Prospective homebuyers, too, are encouraged to attend because it will help them find the most affordable homes for sale in their areas.

About Foreclosure.com Agent University:
Foreclosure.com Agent University offers serious real estate professionals the best selection of training opportunities and certification programs available in the industry today. Our designations are universally recognized as the standard of excellence. Certified agents stand out among their peers, closing more deals and earning higher commissions. We provide agents with invaluable knowledge, skills and tools that ensure consistent success … even in the most challenging markets. Our industry-leading certification programs, Certified Foreclosure Agent and Certified Short Sale Agent, offer varying degrees of participation at the lowest possible prices.

On the Web:
To register and/or find out more information visit:
http://www.foreclosure.com/education/webinars/making-money-in-foreclosures-370.html

Media Contact:
Thomas Myers
Foreclosure.com
Tel: (561) 981-5337 ext. 7381

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Boca Raton, Fla. (November 10, 2009) — Foreclosure.com today announced that the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), which administers and enforces real estate license law in the “Sunshine State,” has endorsed its Certified Foreclosure Agent training program, validating the exceptional educational opportunities offered through Agent University.

Real estate professionals who complete the coursework and earn “Specialist” designations will now also receive seven continuing education credit hours from the state agency authorized to monitor the industry.

The Certified Foreclosure Agent live online curriculum, which includes a three-course certification bundle, as well as a certification at the culmination of the training, ensures agents will:

• Close more deals and earn higher commissions
• Garner national marketing exposure
• Learn lifetime skills and tools to thrive in any market
• Attract more leads to grow their businesses
• Become preferred listing agents among lenders and other financial institutions

“Distressed real estate is where the money is right now for agents everywhere,” said Foreclosure.com Director of Education, Linda Yates. “Agents who recognize the opportunities in the foreclosure space are enjoying tremendous success. There has never before been a time when buyers and sellers understand the distressed real estate alternatives than they do today.”

Distressed real estate sales, which include foreclosures and short sales, are big business in today’s market, accounting for more than 40 percent of transactions in the first quarter of 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

The Certified Foreclosure Agent program — with its intensive training and testing process — is leading the charge to educate agents to take greater advantage of this current market trend, connecting them with multiple buyers in their areas.

It’s important to note that all licensed real estate agents nationwide are eligible to receive Certified Foreclosure Agent training — it is not limited to Florida professionals only. Approval in Florida, however, signals the start of nationwide acceptance for the industry-leading continuing education curriculum for real estate professionals.

Implicit in this requirement, however, is that the Certified Foreclosure Agent maintain at least a minimum number of hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) each year and conduct him or herself within the ethical mandates established by the profession.

“Florida agents are required to receive 14 hours of continuing education every two years,” said Yates. “This curriculum is timely and critical in today’s environment. Survive or die is the realty that agents are faced with today.”

For more information regarding the Foreclosure.com Certified Foreclosure Agent program please visit agentuniversity.foreclosure.com/cfa/index.html or call us at (866) 382-2439.

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About Certified Foreclosure Agent program from Foreclosure.com:
The Certified Foreclosure Agent program offered through Agent University is the latest in a long line of truly innovative continuing education opportunities that Foreclosure.com offers to expand the practice and knowledge of real estate professionals nationwide. The training curriculum is delivered in a candidate-friendly format that comprises live and pre-recorded online sessions that agents participate in from the convenience of their homes and offices. This career-building certification program goes hand-in-hand with the Foreclosure.com Broker Network — the most authoritative directory in the industry used by lenders, asset managers and homebuyers alike to handpick the most qualified agents for the job.

On the Web:
Certified Foreclosure Agent Program: agentuniversity.foreclosure.com/cfa/index.html
Community Expert Program: www.foreclosure.com/realestateleads.html
Broker Network: www.foreclosure.com/brokernetwork.html

For more on the Certified Foreclosure Agent Program at Foreclosure.com Agent University click here.

Several of Century 21’s top real estate agents from throughout the nation recently descended on the Westin Diplomat in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to participate in a training retreat.

Century 21 — the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization — recently selected Foreclosure.com Agent University to put a select group of industry professionals through its Certified Foreclosure Agent training program.

This is a career-building certification course designed specifically for individuals who are interested in foreclosures and expanding their business to include sales of Real Estate Owed (REO) properties, short sales and other distressed real estate.

All of the Century 21 agents who participated in the comprehensive learning experience were required to complete and pass an exam for each of the three topics presented receive their Certified Foreclosure Agent “Specialist” designation. For more background on the “Specialist” designation click here.

We had such a great group — many of agents flew in a day early and left a day late because of opportunity to travel to South Florida and, in the process, take home skills that will grow their businesses.

To learn more about the Certified Foreclosure Agent program click here. Broker owners and managers should contact us direct (866.382.4445) for more details on bulk pricing savings.