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).

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.

“Former NFL player turned multi-millionaire “flipper” to reveal successful marketing and business systems during free online seminar”

Boca Raton, Fla. — Foreclosure.com is proud to announce that real estate investing expert, Than Merrill, is back by popular demand to conduct an online training seminar, during which he will reveal his proven “turnkey” real estate system that unlocks the secrets to flipping riches.

‘Make $20,000 While You Sleep’ will be held live online on Feb. 10, 2010, from 9 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m. ET. To register for free and/or find out more information visit:

http://www.foreclosure.com/education/webinars/make-20k-while-you-sleep.html

Than — one of the most successful real estate investors in the nation, as well as the star of A&E’s hit television show, “Flip This House” — is going to show first-time homebuyers and experienced investors alike how to find amazing house deals for 65 cents on the dollar or less during a free real estate training Webinar.

“Than is the best when it comes to recognizing great deals and using automation to facilitate getting them done fast,” said Linda Yates, Director of Education, Foreclosure.com. “Now is the time to get off the fence and invest in a buyers market no matter where you live — it’s now or never!”

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Foreclosure.com today announced that it has enhanced its industry-leading real estate agent training curriculum, which is administered through Agent University, adding the Certified Short Sale Agent (CSSA) program to its growing list of education offerings.

Short sale transactions will comprise a significant amount of business for real estate agents for the next three to five years. The sheer volume of defaults today is just too much for loss mitigation departments everywhere to handle efficiently without outside assistance.

Additionally, with new guidelines like HAFA emerging, banks, servicers and investors are looking to short sales as a viable foreclosure alternative.

Success in short sale transactions requires a high degree of expertise to complete successfully — CSSA training provides professionals with the tools and resources to capitalize on this market trend and make short sales a profitable part of their business.

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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.”

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