It’s starting to sound like a broken record; however, the Foreclosure.com Community Expert Program (CEP) and its nationwide network of agents is still going strong.

We’ve already detailed several testimonials from busy, profit-earning CEP agents here, here and here.

Naturally, we continue to receive positive feedback from our agents and brokers who are beating back buyers/investors who are looking to cash-in on the unbelievable real estate opportunities currently available.

It’s a huge buyer pool — nearly half of all transactions today involve some type of distressed real estate. CEP agents are strategically positioned on the frontlines of this all-out market assault thanks to the unrivaled Web power and reach of Foreclosure.com and its affiliate partners.

In fact, our online traffic has never been better, reaching all-time records month-over-month since the start of 2009.

Literally millions of buyers search our industry-leading database of nearly two million listings each month. And CEP agents, as well as their multiple buyers, are among the many who are riding this big wave of success right to the closing table.

Hear what just a handful of them have to say this time around:

Read the rest of this entry »

Well this is interesting:

Housing starts jumped 22.2 percent in February 2009 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 583,000, according to the Associated Press. January’s figure, 477,000, had been an all-time low and economists had predicted that the slump would continue, dropping to around 450,00 when The Commerce Department issued its next monthly report.

It didn’t happen.

This is strange news, considering that there are already so many homes sitting on the market. The report indicates that the increase can be attributed to the construction of apartments nationwide.

Adam York, a Wachovia economist, thinks it’s a good sign:

“While it may be premature to call an absolute bottom in residential construction, we are clearly getting close.”

Of course, the article goes on to mention that housing construction is “down a whopping 47.3 percent from a year ago.” Regardless, it’s a pleasant surprise. More please.

Fortunately, it’s just a replica, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The lender has agreed to modify the loan:

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

The foreclosure crisis has affected families and communities throughout the United States hard … some more than others. Miami, Fla., which at its peak several years ago boasted a booming condominium market, is among those hardest hit.

And rather than let foreclosed homes sit vacant while families fend for themselves on the streets, one local activist, Max Rameau, is taking matters into his own hands and moving families — albeit illegally — into the bank-owned properties.

He’s also doing it in broad daylight and not under the cloak of the night.

Here’s is what he had to say about the brazen initiative:

“We’re matching homeless people with people-less homes…. I think everyone deserves a home. Homeless people across the country are squatting in empty homes. The question is: Is this going to be done out of desperation or with direction?”

Rameau is part of a recently-formed organization called, Take Back the Land. In addition to “placing” homeless families in foreclosure homes the group provides them with “secondhand furniture, cleaning supplies and yard upkeep

As mentioned earlier, this process, which is essentially referred to as squatting, is illegal and punishable by law. However, Rameau and his associates do not seem deterred by the prospect of possible arrest.

Here’s another quote from him:

“Within a couple of months, this place would be stripped and drug dealers would be living here. There’s a real need here, and there’s a disconnect between the need and the law. Being arrested is just one of the potential factors in doing this.”

Rameau has thus far helped six families into foreclosed homes and has nine on a waiting list, according to the report. He has not been arrested or approached by the authorities … yet.

We’ve arrived at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., for the 2008 REALTORS® Conference & Expo!

These are just a few pictures of our booth (#3454), which will be staffed throughout the weekend by a variety of folks from our relatively nearby headquarters in Boca Raton, including Director of Business Development/Creative Director Stephen Chip, Director of Partner Relations Zack Preble, General Sales Manager Anthony Segrich and Director of Education Linda Yates.

We’re introducing the Certified Foreclosure Agent (CFA) program at the show and signing up motivated agents on the spot who want to take their careers to the next level. CFA designation is an awesome way to stay on top of the latest market trends and continue to earn commissions even in the softest market conditions.

CFA agents stand out and thrive!

In addition, we are on the scene to tell you all about our Community Expert Program, which is a groundbreaking marketing solution that will help you close more buyer transactions. It’ an innovative and cost effective way to do business — thousands search for properties in your area and recognize YOU as their go-to person.

Then the calls and emails start pouring in because these buyers connect with YOU as a real estate expert. It’s a great way to build relationships today to ensure that you close the deals tomorrow. Earn more money!

Of course, the CFA and Community Expert programs are just two of the many ways in which Foreclosure.com helps real estate agents and brokers enrich their careers. Stop by booth #3454 at  the 2008 REALTORS® Conference & Expo this weekend or visit us online to learn more about how we can help you.

You’ll be glad you did!