Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked with thousands of people to get them the credit they need to buy the homes they really want. Today, I start with this warning:

If you’re hoping to qualify for a trustworthy lender’s best-value mortgage in 2011 or 2012, you will need to work at improving your credit score, even if you always pay your bills on time. And if you’ve had a short sale, foreclosure or bankruptcy, you will need to work even harder.

But you can quickly build it up again if you know how to play the game like a professional.

Ever since the real estate meltdown, the big lenders and the three major credit bureaus that service them have come up with practices to reduce lender risk at any cost to consumers. This new bag of tricks contains a nasty surprise for home buying or mortgage re-financing— your mortgage credit score, as reported by the “Big Three” credit bureaus, may have been downgraded without your knowledge.

And new rules put you in catch 22 trap that can guarantee one of two outcomes: You will pay more (a lot more) in monthly payments and closing costs and/or you may not qualify for a fairly-priced mortgage at all.

Here are just three of the “Worst 2011 Mortgage Credit Score Traps:”

Trap #1: Your Mortgage Credit Score Is Not Your Consumer Credit Score

You pull your own credit score exactly as the “Big Three” credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — urge you to do, paying them a fee, of course. But the credit score your lender sees is a different, lower number. (A client just referred to me this month by a very decent lending officer was suddenly disqualified for the mortgage she wanted for this exact reason, until I helped her quickly raise her score.)

Trap #2: Creditors Slash Your Credit Lines For No Fault Of Your Own

Banks can panic and cut your credit lines without warning. Say your credit card lines have been cut in half. Now your conservative debt of, say, 30 to 40 percent of your credit lines have jumped overnight to a “dangerous” 60 to 80 percent debt-to-credit ratio. The credit bureaus mathematical “algorithms” respond to this new debt load by automatically lowering your credit score.

Trap #3: Lender Rules Automatically Lower Your Score When It Matters Most

A client had a 660 credit score to qualify for a government-backed mortgage, so was pre-approved. But the lender applied the perfect catch 22. Its rules dictated that his credit report be pulled again five days before the closing. The act of pulling his score again lowered his score by 20 points as a “new inquiry,” which meant the lender rejected him for the mortgage.

You couldn’t make this stuff up. But I have two remedies to offer, right now, to put you back in control of your credit score.

First, join my Webinar this evening, Thursday, June 23, at 8:30 p.m. ET called “How To Save $100,000 On Your Mortgage,” at the invitation of Linda Yates, Education Director for the most authoritative real estate website for consumers, Foreclosure.com.

Be sure to sign up now before the registration window closes — spots are limited and filling up fast. Click here.

You can beat an unfair system.

Because my business — my only business — is showing you exactly how to boost your credit score. This Webinar will help you focus on what you can do, how you can do it legally, and when you should do it for optimal results.

Join me tonight and, together, we’ll get you the credit score you need to buy the home you really want.

Boca Raton, Fla. — Jan. 4, 2011 — The Agent University, which is administered through Foreclosure.com, and The CE Shop today announced that the companies have teamed up to offer real estate agents with even easier access to the best online short sale training certification program in the nation.

The Agent University’s Certified Short Sale Agent (CSSA) certification program is now featured on The CE Shop website, which offers real estate professionals online courses that meet their states’ continuing education requirements.

For more information regarding the short sale training and continuing education opportunities available through The Agent University please visit The Agent University or call us at (866) 382-4445.

CSSA training, which has been implemented at more than 300 Realtor® boards nationwide, can earn real estate agents up to six continuing education credits in select states, as well as prepare them to find, negotiate and close short sale transactions in record time.

“Having this industry-leading certification program online with the added benefit of also earning continuing education credits will make agents more profitable,” says The Agent University Director of Education, Linda Yates.

Real estate agents are required to accumulate a set number of continuing education credits to meet their state licensing requirements, making CSSA an ideal option that also helps grow business exponentially.

The CSSA course is self-paced with exams, activities, tips and forms available all at the touch of a mouse. Upon completion of the course, agents are featured in a national broker network with visibility to millions of buyers, sellers and asset managers throughout the United States.

Business-building CSSA course highlights include, but are not limited to:

1. Strategies that will improve your chances of receiving the most commission from each transaction.
2. Forms and documents that will significantly increase the profitability of your short sale business.
3. A detailed explanation of the short sale transaction process and how it differs from traditional sales transactions.
4. Directions on putting together short sale packages that will generate more closings.
5. Tips on automating and streamlining your short sale process using the latest technology.
6. Powerful short sale marketing strategies that will help you reach more buyers for a fraction of your current budget.

“Serious real estate agents and brokers understand the value of timely education on the latest industry trends,” says Yates. “Getting a specialized certification along with continuing education credits and marketing all in one makes sense. In this unpredictable market, education is critical to staying ahead of the competition and providing clients with the most accurate information.”

For more information regarding the short sale training and continuing education opportunities available through The Agent University please visit The Agent University or call us at (866) 382-4445.

-end-

About The Agent University
The 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, Certified Commercial Foreclosure Agent and REDC Certified Auction Agent, offer varying degrees of participation at the lowest possible prices.

About The CE Shop
The CE Shop Inc. was founded with the mission to serve the licensed real estate professional with high quality, hassle-free and simple online continuing education. Headquartered right in the middle of it all in Fargo, N.D., The CE Shop team includes real estate industry experts from across the country as well as knowledgeable content and curriculum designers, marketing and sales professionals, compliance and operation specialists, distance learning technologists, financial and legal experts and our outstanding customer service team.

September 8, 2010 — Foreclosure.com today announced that the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), which administers and enforces real estate license law in the “Sunshine State,” has approved its Certified Short Sale Agent (CSSA) training program, once again validating the exceptional educational opportunities offered through “The Agent University.”

This latest announcement comes on the heels of the Certified Foreclosure Agent program receiving the same stamp of approval from FREC in Nov. 2009.

“We’re thrilled to receive this latest approval,” said Foreclosure.com Director of Education, Linda Yates. “Understanding short sales, especially in today’s volatile market, is critical for agents everywhere. CSSA training is an invaluable career-building opportunity, providing professionals with the tools and resources to capitalize on this ever-evolving trend.”

The CSSA curriculum comprises four modules that take agents from a basic understanding of short sales all the way to developing a business plan to attack the market from a proactive position.

The four modules, which are dynamically updated to reflect the latest trends in the short sale arena, include:

1. Essentials of short sales
2. Understanding Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA)
3. Short sale automation
4. How to take new skills to market

“Short sales are a fantastic way for distressed homeowners, lenders, buyers and agents to make the best out of bad situations,” said Yates. “CSSA training teaches agents how to bring all these parties together to coordinate the fastest closings possible and keep the market moving.”

It’s important to note that all licensed real estate agents nationwide are eligible to receive CSSA training — it is not limited to Florida professionals only. However, Florida agents now receive continuing education credits with successful completion of the CSSA and Certified Foreclosure Agent courses during live training sessions.

Agents – in Florida and beyond — who are interested in becoming certified can do so online through “The Agent University” at any time. In addition, the Foreclosure.com education team is always prepared to deliver onsite short sale and foreclosure agent training to large groups and brokerages at discounted rates throughout the United States.

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

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.

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.

It’s no secret: Foreclosed homes for sale often offer buyers and investors tremendous value. On the flip side, distressed real estate can be a tricky, and costly, investment if you fail to dot all your “i’s” and cross all your “t’s.”

Get an in-depth look into what it takes to find, finance and buy the home of your dreams for half-price with help and direction from Foreclosure.com Director of Education, Linda Yates.

Linda is going to show you how to land a “money-maker” and avoid a “money pit” in this complimentary Webinar presentation. She’s going to outline the first six steps of the 12-step process behind finding a money foreclosure, while steering clear of any potential “red flags” or “pitfalls” that can turn your dream into a nightmare

Register for “How to find dream foreclosures in your area (Part 1 of 2)” before it’s too late. Click here. This FREE educational session is available to watch LIVE online during an information-packed presentation scheduled for Thursday, June 10, at 4 p.m. ET.

Here are the first six steps that she will cover in-depth:

• Getting your credit in order
• Deciding whether to rent or own
• Shopping for mortgages
• Searching neighborhoods
• Finding the right agent
• House hunting

The market is ripe for the picking right now — foreclosure inventory is piling up just about everywhere. With the right approach and knowledge, it will be simple for you to differentiate the good deals from the bad.

Register for “How to find dream foreclosures in your area (Part 1 of 2)” right now — it’s FREE! Spots are limited and filling up FAST! CLICK HERE.

Webinars are LIVE educational sessions that let participants see, hear and interact with real estate experts right from their personal computer screens. In fact, Webinars are driven in part by visitor feedback and questions that are posed during the sessions. For more information and course offerings click here.

Learn how to properly prepare and close successful short sale offers in record time with help and direction from investing pro, Sharon Restrepo.

Sharon will demonstrate how you can put the “short” back in short sale, leveraging the recently-introduced Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program, which provides incentives for lenders to close these types of deals fast.

Register for “Short Sale Intensive Training” before it’s too late. Click here. The educational session is available to watch LIVE online during an information-packed presentation scheduled for Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. ET.

Here are just some of the many invaluable nuggets you will take away:

• How to make more money on short sale transactions
• How to put together the best short sale package
• When to avoid a short sale
• How to short sale as an investor or agent
• What banks are looking for when short selling

Expect more short sales (and great deals) to flood the market now and well into the future. So you need to know exactly what you’re getting into with short sales today and how to purchase them for pennies on the dollar as soon as tomorrow!

Register for “Short Sale Intensive Training” before it’s too late. Spots are limited and filling up FAST! CLICK HERE.

Webinars are LIVE educational sessions that let participants see, hear and interact with real estate experts right from their personal computer screens. In fact, Webinars are driven in part by visitor feedback and questions that are posed during the sessions. For more information and course offerings click here.

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

To rent or to own, that is the question.

In theory, buying is always better than renting because at some point you will own your house outright whereas renters are perpetually filling the pockets of others.

In reality, it can be tough to make the leap from renter to owner.

That’s because there is a lot on the line — there are several unknown factors that can and often do influence these types of decisions:

Do you have a big enough down payment? Will you qualify for a mortgage? Can you afford maintenance? For how long do you plan to hang on to the property?

The Feb. 2010 edition of Foreclosure.com’s free educational newsletter, “Investment Exchange,” is now available, which details everything you need to know about “Rent vs. Own.”

Our goal is to get you thinking about this important decision sooner rather than later. The housing market is still extremely buyer friendly right now — interest rates are still low, limited-time government incentives are still available until April 30, 2010 and chances are good that prices in your area have never been better.

On the flip side, buying a home or investment property is still one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. So you still need to consider all the pros and cons before jumping in head first.

So check out “Rent vs. Own” today so you can decide whether or not a home purchase or lease is in your best interests.

To read this month’s free educational newsletter from Foreclosure.com CLICK HERE.

The U.S. Treasury Department released guidelines and forms for its new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program on Nov. 30, 2009.

It was designed with good intentions — to simplify and streamline use of short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. However, HAFA is a complex 43-page program that may be difficult for most real estate agents to fully understand.

To be perfectly honest, most agents may not even have the time or desire to familiarize themselves with the entire program.

But you simply don’t have a choice — HAFA guidelines go into effect April 2010! And they will likely have a large impact on your business, protocols and, most important, commissions.

Here’s the good news: You do not have to be left in the dark on this industry changing program.

That because Foreclosure.com Agent University is conducting two limited attendance FREE Webinars (Register here or here) to teach real estate agents all about the key HAFA changes.

This 1.5 to 2-hour Webinar will take an in-depth look at the guidelines and forms focusing on the key issues to real estate agents:

• Commission impact
• Forms and paperwork
• Participation guidelines
• Timelines
• Servicer participation
• Incentives for homeowners
• Second- and third-party liens
• And much more!

DO NOT MISS THIS IMPORTANT FREE WEBINAR!

Click on one of the events below to register:

• Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at  3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/690622256
• Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/929001865

HAFA is part of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), providing incentives in connection with a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) used to avoid foreclosure on a loan eligible for modification under the HAMP program.

Understanding HAFA inside-out is critical for serious real estate professionals. And this is your opportunity to learn everything you need to know at absolutely no cost to you.